The apprentice to the Murdoch family business scored one of his biggest coups to date on Tuesday when BSkyB announced an agreed takeover of Amstrad, the company founded and owned by Sir Alan Sugar.

If approved by Amstrad’s other shareholders, the £125m deal will see James Murdoch, son and presumed heir of his father Rupert’s News Corp realm, subsume the pioneering electronic goods supplier into his £12bn media company.

Sir Alan, who through his holding company stands to gain around £35m, said he was looking forward to “continuing to play a part” in the business.

However, he appeared to sound a valedictory note in a BBC interview shortly after the deal was announced. “I turn 60 this year and I have had 40 years of hustling in this business. Now I have to start thinking about my team of loyal staff, many of whom have been with me for many years.”

Amstrad shareholders will receive 150p a share under the offer, which is being formally made by Sky Digital Supplies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BSkyB.

(more…)