Roku, which first considered a flotation almost three years ago, is said to have hired underwriters for an initial public offering that could value it at up to $1bn.

Roku, a US-based media streaming software and device maker backed by media conglomerates Hearst and News Corp, is preparing to float by the end of 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday, citing unnamed individuals.

The company is said to have hired investment banks Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Allen & Co as underwriters for the initial public offering, which could fetch a valuation of up to $1bn. Roku has not confirmed the reports, but could file confidentially within weeks.

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