Shaw, Corus downplay merger speculation amid BCE-Astral trouble

Shaw Communications Inc. and affiliated media company Corus Entertainment Inc. downplayed Thursday speculation that the two firms would seek to merge — an idea likely pushed off the table for the moment as a result of BCE Inc.’s faltering bid for Astral Media Inc. “We realize there’s some value and synergies [with Corus],” Brad Shaw, chief executive for the Western Canadian cable giant said on an earnings call Thursday, but added: “Shaw’s pretty focused on what we need to do. Overall we’re really pleased with how [Shaw’s own] media division has performed.” Alongside voting control of the cable company, the Shaw family controls Toronto-based Corus, which operates TV channels such as Movie Central and radio stations that were spun off more than a decade ago.Alongside voting control of the cable company, the Shaw family controls Toronto-based Corus, which operates TV channels such as Movie Central and radio stations that were spun off more than a decade ago  More