Sharewatch: ITV Partners Fall Ahead Of Merger Decision

Carlton and Granada were seen in focus yesterday, down 0.43% and 0.72% respectively, as their proposed merger entered its final stage. The Competition Commission has sent its report on the deal to the Department Of Trade and Industry.

Elsewhere, WPP was seen in the spotlight after a PR disaster saw the company included on the Burma Campaign’s “Dirty List” of firms whose operations are directly or indirectly helping to finance the military dictatorship in Burma. WPP has subsequently announced it is to close its office in the country. Its stock was seen stable at 570p.

Broader market sentiment was mixed yesterday, despite positive news from the US job market and resurgent take-over talk in London.

The closing prices of media company shares on Thursday were: