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Vincent Bollore, chairman of French advertising giant Havas, has said that he expects the firm to return to profit growth in the second half of 2006, and that the company would be open to acquisition opportunities in the near future. Bollore, who has recently built up his stake in rival media firm Aegis, repeatedly outlined… Continue reading Bollore Optimistic For Havas, Tight Lipped On Aegis

BSkyB has secured 88.18% of telecoms firm EasyNet, bringing the deal to acquire the firm a step closer to completion. EasyNet’s shareholders have broadly welcomed the deal, with 65% agreeing to the deal, worth £211 million. Sky has also purchased 23.9% of the company’s issued share capital lifting its acquired percentage to 88.l8%. The deal… Continue reading Sky Close To Completing EasyNet Deal

Magazine publisher Highbury House Communications has requested that trading in its shares be suspended following the termination of talks to secure refinancing of its existing debts with investors. The company said that continuing discussions were taking place, and that the vast majority of lenders “continue to be supportive.” However, in a statement to the City… Continue reading Highbury House Shares Suspended As Restructuring Talks Continue

SMG released a trading update this morning, reporting that it will perform broadly in line with analysts’ forecasts for 2005. The group expects to perform well, despite soft advertising markets in the second half of 2005, with the company’s Scottish TV and Grampian TV expected to outperform the ITV Network for the year as a… Continue reading SMG Sees Business On Target For End Of Year

NTL’s plans to create a ‘quadruple play’ business with the acquisition of Virgin Mobile have hit a stumbling block, as Virgin’s board rejected an £817 million bid, despite the deal having majority shareholder Sir Richard Branson’s backing. Virgin’s board opposed NTL’s offer, claiming that it undervalued the business, although press speculation this morning suggests that… Continue reading Virgin Mobile Backs Away From NTL Deal

Cable giant NTL has today confirmed its consideration of a £835 million bid for Virgin Mobile, enabling the firm to offer Britain’s first “quadruple play” services of fixed and mobile phone lines, broadband internet access and digital television. The move would also lay an infrastructure for NTL to offer more advanced mobile services, such as… Continue reading NTL Eyes Quadruple Play With Virgin Mobile Bid

Media giant WPP has announced the purchase of the majority share in Direct.com, a leading provider of integrated marketing communications services, through its operating company RMG Connect Worldwide. Founded in 1997, Direct.com provides a wide range of integrated marketing services including direct marketing and consulting, Web technology development and merchandising from its offices in Miami.… Continue reading WPP Snaps Up Direct.Com To Extend Tech Expertise

Business publishing firm Centaur has announced the acquisition of Recruiter magazine, its web site and its annual awards event from Redactive Media Group Limited for £4 million. The purchase will see Recruiter join Centaur’s portfolio of business titles. The title currently commands an ABC audited circulation of 29,430, serving recruitment consultants and recruitment agencies. The… Continue reading Centaur Purchases Recruiter Magazine For £4 Million

Newspaper giant Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) this morning confirmed that its regional newspaper business, Northcliffe Newspapers, will be put up for sale, marking what finance chief Peter Williams described as a “turning point” for the company. The decision to go ahead with a sale of Northcliffe was made following a strategic review of… Continue reading Northcliffe Sale Marks ‘Turning Point’ For DMGT

Digital TV sales house, Digital Media Sales, has been appointed to handle ad sales for urban music station Channel U, as well as its latest offshoot, pop music channel, Fizz.Channel U showcases music from the British urban scene, making a point of championing up-and-coming homegrown acts, including Roots Manuva, Blak Twang and Roll Deep among… Continue reading Music Channels Appoint New Sales House