What the Sunday papers said

November 7 has been named as the deadline for takeover bids for Spirit Group. The deadline was set by Merrill Lynch, Spirit's adviser, after months of speculation regarding a breakup of the pub group. Punch Taverns and Mitchells & Butlers are understood to have been working on a joint approach for several weeks. - Mail On Sunday​

Sky Television is set to launch a massive bid to win the lion's share of televised Premiership football matches. News International chairman Rupert Murdoch has given Sky negotiators the go-ahead to outbid rivals including NTL/ITV, Setanta, the BBC and BT in order to hold onto its position as the main broadcaster for live televised football. - Sunday Express​

Premier League clubs should be free to sell their TV rights to whomever they choose, says Sky executive Richard Freudenstein. Sky believes the auction [of TV broadcasting rights] should take place with as few regulatory restrictions as possible. If rights are to be split between a number of providers, each of whom will have costs to bear and pass on, it is unclear how lower sums being paid for rights will translate into lower prices for consumers. - Observer​

Shareholders in supermarket chain Somerfield are to be asked to vote next month on a 197p per share bid, tabled by a consortium led by Robert Tchenguiz, the property tycoon who owns the Laurel Pub Company. Citywatchers believe the offer, which has been recommended by Somerfield's board, will be accepted. - Sunday Express​