Sky investors hope for higher takeover offer

THE owner of Universal Studios says its bid for Sky has less than 1pc backing from shareholders so far, as investors wait to see if they can get a better price.

Comcast said it had secured support from shares representing just 0.21pc of Sky in a regulatory filing.

It comes as all eyes are on Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox, which has also been competing to buy the British satellite broadcaster.

Comcast has tabled the biggest offer, at £26bn, and has backing from Sky’s bid committee. That compares to £24.5bn offered by Fox.

But analysts have predicted Murdoch could still swoop in with a counter-offer before its deadline expires on September 22.

Last night Comcast told shareholders its offer period was being extended and that it would remain open for acceptances until September 12.

It is vying for the company as a way of expanding its international presence and war chest of media content.