The Turkish Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) is preparing to dispose of the Merkez Group and Media Group companies, which encompass several broadcast interests including ATV, Sabah and Kanal 1. Speaking to the local press, TMSF chairman Ahmet Ertürk said that the sale, which is expected to raise up to $1.5 billion (€1.09 billion) and be completed by the end of the year, has already attracted interest from prospective investors in the US, Central Europe, the Balkans and Gulf States.