In March 2000, he sold 50% of one of his companies, Slec Holdings, to German broadcaster EM.

BBC: BERNIE ECCLESTONE

Slec is 75% by the banks Bayerische Landesbank, JP Morgan and Lehman Brothers, with Ecclestone's family trust controlling the remainder.

BBC: Ecclestone is trying to secure the future of F1 beyond 2007

The carmakers want a bigger share of Formula One's commercial rights, which are held by the SLEC holding company set up by the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone and controlled by banks.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Rival F1 series names consultants

SLEC, which controls Formula One motor racing.

ECONOMIST: EM.TV��s EMP.TY coffers