Eleven Sports – the new player ready to take on BT Group (BT.A) and Sky (SKY). ‘It was great fun doing that,” says Marc Watson, recalling his time as the head of BT’s television business as it mounted a surprise raid on the Premier League rights auction and within months had set up a cutting-edge broadcasting operation. “We really felt like we were changing the market. And we were.” Now he is attempting another high-risk, high-technology attack on the pay-TV market as chief executive of Eleven Sports. Backed by Andrea Radrizzani, the Italian owner of Leeds United, with further investment and production support from Endeavor, Watson is this time attempting to overhaul the sports broadcasting establishment in several countries at once.
‘Arrogant’ Unilever (ULVR) under fire over botched plans to ditch Britain. City heavyweights have branded the board of Unilever “arrogant” after the Marmite-maker lost a fierce battle over plans to abandon its British headquarters. Major shareholders this weekend criticised the consumer goods giant, claiming its failed attempt to scrap its Anglo-Dutch structure in favour of a single base in the Netherlands has damaged the credibility of its leaders and relationships with investors.
BT Group (BT.A) – Openreach chairman bullish about task to deliver UK full-fibre broadband network.
French Connection founder ‘looking to sell stake’ after 49 years. French Connection Group (FCCN) founder Stephen Marks is reportedly looking for buyers for his controlling stake in the company, after running the brand for 49 years. Mr Marks approached potential buyers for his 42% stake in the last week, according to Sky News. The potential sale is apparently at a preliminary stage. Investment bank Numis Securities is reportedly advising Mr Marks, and looking into purchase options including private equity firms and other fashion retailers.
