COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

Guthy-Renker Seeking Alliances: The Palm Desert-based infomercial firm is seeking acquisitions of $50 million to $150 million to insulate it from earnings fluctuations in its hit-driven TV business, President Greg Renker said. The firm might also consider being acquired, Renker said, and he said he wouldn’t exclude the possibility that News Corp. could become a majority owner after its acquisition of a 37.55% stake in Guthy-Renker becomes final in coming months. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. will acquire a stake in Guthy-Renker as part of its acquisition of New World Communications Inc. Murdoch “would be the ultimate strategic alliance for us if we can execute properly,” Renker said. Guthy-Renker could help fill News Corp.’s unused air time with its programming, Renker said. Conversations with News Corp. are still preliminary.