The Dubai-based, Abdul Rehman Bukhatir-promoted Taj Television Ltd, which owns and operates the Ten Sports channel, is looking for an Indian strategic partner.

Taj was in the process of appointing a merchant banker as its adviser for the purpose, sources close to the deal told Business Standard.

According to the sources, an Indian partner will help in marketing the channel better in India. They also pointed out that an ideal partner for the company would be a broadcasting house or a corporate with interest in sports and sports marketing. The Indian company will be offered a minority stake in the company.

Ten Sports has the rights for live telecast of the Indian cricket team's tour of Pakistan in February for live coverage in South Asia.

It also has the rights for golf tournaments like the Ryder Cup, the British Open and the European PGA Tour. In hockey, the channel has the broadcasting rights for Champions Challenge Hockey and Champions Trophy Hockey and rights for broadcasting French Open tennis tournament.