Biz (2586)

Virgin Media to appeal BSkyB/ITV decision

"Believes the Competition Commission has made significant errors"

25 February 2008 16:52 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Virgin Media has announced it will file an appeal with the Competition Appeal Tribunal requesting a review of the conclusions of the Competition Commission and the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform relating to BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9% stake in ITV.

In a statement Virgin Media says it has "consistently argued that BSkyB's actions were intended for the sole purpose of preventing the emergence of a stronger competitor and are against the public interest".

The Competition Commission decided that BSkyB's shareholding could influence ITV's decision-making and that this has compromised ITV's independence but that BSkyB can still keep a 7.5% stake in ITV which Virgin does not believe is an "adequate" reduction.

BSkyB has also said it will appeal against the commission's decision - but obviously for different reasons.

Full tags

Biz, Home Cinema, Virgin Media, ITV, Sky