Panel puts curbs on takeover battles

THE Irish Takeover Panel is to impose radical controls over media wars waged by opposing factions in future takeover battles of public quoted companies.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney is currently examining the 2002 annual report of the Irish Takeover Panel, which has been seen by the Irish Examiner.

The report is expected to be published after the minister has examined it. The report outlines the intentions of the regulatory body to change the way in which takeover battles to win the hearts, minds and votes of shareholders are fought in the newspapers and on the air waves.