Sharewatch: ITV Partners Slide As Sales Chief Is Announced

ITV Partners Carlton and Granada were seen in focus yesterday after confirming that Graham Duff will head up ITV combined sales operation following the completion of the long awaited £4.5 billion merger. Carlton rose by 2.62%, whilst Granada was seen up by 1.76% (see Duff Appointed To Head Up Merged ITV Sales House).

Meanwhile, BSkyB dipped by 1.20% following last week’s controversial appointment of James Murdoch as chief executive. It is believed that BSkyB’s senior non-executive director, Lord St John of Fawsley, is prepared to step down if shareholders vote against his re-election (see BSkyB Coronation Could Cause Disruption).

Cable & Wireless was seen down by 3.91% yesterday at 129p as dealers opted for caution ahead of its interim results tomorrow.

Broader market sentiment was seen under pressure yesterday as fears over forthcoming drugs data for heavyweight AstraZeneca dominated dealings. The FTSE 100 closed down 0.8% at 4,341,8.

The closing prices of media company shares on Monday were: