CBS and Viacom have reportedly agreed that Viacom CEO Bob Bakish would lead the combined company if a merger deal is reached (CBS, VIAB)

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Viacom

(Reuters) — Viacom Inc’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Bakish is expected to lead the combined company if merged with CBS Corp, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The companies, both controlled by Shari Redstone’s National Amusement, have been discussing a combination and still face some major hurdles, the Journal said, adding that CBS had not submitted a formal offer for Viacom.

CBS interim CEO Joe Ianniello is expected to oversee his company’s branded assets and finance chief Christina Spade would become the chief financial officer of the combined company, the report said.

CBS declined to comment, while Viacom did not respond to a request for one.

NOW WATCH: Pixar has a secret formula for making perfect films. Here are 5 rules that make its movies so special.

See Also:

• 10 books that will give new managers the self-confidence necessary to lead, motivate, and inspire their team
• 50 foods that Costco employees and members love
• Tesla’s longest-tenured executive is leaving the company — here are all the key names who have departed in the past year

SEE ALSO: 3 big ways CBS merging with Viacom could help it fight Netflix — and one downside to the deal

Source: Business Insider –