NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- CKX Inc. confirmed Monday that it is in talks that could lead to the sale of the company that owns the popular television show "American Idol."
In a brief statement, the New York-based company stressed that no deal is pending, adding that it will make no further comments regarding a potential deal, including a sale price, unless a final agreement is reached.
While the statement didn't specify who CKX is in talks with, One Equity Partners, the private equity branch of JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500), is reportedly interested in buying the company.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that One Equity could pay CKX shareholders about $6 a share under a potential deal. That would value the company at about $560 million.
One Equity Partners, which owns a stake in TV Guide, did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
In addition to the "American Idol" broadcast in the United States, CKX owns the rights to local adaptations of the show that air in more than 100 countries worldwide.
CKX acquired the rights to "American Idol" in 2005 when it bought 19 Entertainment Limited, the U.K.-based media firm that created the show, for $124.4 million in cash and stock.
"American Idol" debuted in 2002 when Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, launched it as a spin-off from the British show "Pop Idol."
The show, currently in its ninth season on Fox, has spawned the careers of several successful pop singers, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks.
CKX (CKXE) also owns the image and likeness of celebrities such as Elvis Presley and boxing great Muhammad Ali. Shares of the company rose 4 cents to $6 Monday. 
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