Sharewatch: Carlton And Granada Under Pressure

ITV partners Carlton and Granada were in the spotlight amid rumours that the Department of Trade and Industry is to reveal its decision on their proposed merger on Monday. Granada was stable at 95p, while Carlton fell 1.70% to 159.25p.

The DTI has confirmed that its verdict will be announced at some point next week and the groups will be given several hours advance warning of the conclusions.

Analysts remain divided over the likely outcome of the report, although many believe that the divestment of the group’s sales houses will be part of the conditions of the deal.

Elsewhere, BSkyB remained in the news following reports that Martin Stewart, finance director at the satellite broadcaster, had applied for the chief executive’s job.

Broader market sentiment was mixed yesterday as traders await key earnings reports and September’s US unemployment report.

The closing prices of media company shares on Thursday were: