Exclusive-Private equity firms Carlyle, Bain, Oaktree readying bids for Serie A international media unit, say sources

MILAN, Sept 2 : Carlyle and Bain are among private equity funds preparing to bid for a minority stake in a company holding the international media rights of Serie A, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, in the latest attempt from Italy's top-flight soccer league to bring in outside investors.Oaktree - the owner of Serie A reigning champions Inter Milan - and Italian private equity firm Nextalia are among those expected to bid, the people said.Binding bids for the unit, which would also hold Serie A's betting and sponsorship business abroad, are due by Sept. 4, the sources said.Earlier this year Serie A's adviser JP Morgan started sounding out several private equity funds over the potential stake sale, Reuters reported in April. Investors are expected to submit binding offer