In a swift reaction to the news that News Corp had withdrawn its bid to own BSkyB outright, the DTH pay-TV provider senior management has been quick to insist that the firm remains a compelling investment prospect.

Noting the blow for Rupert Murdoch who had hoped by now he would have captured the hugely profitable satellite broadcaster, BSkyB’s board rushed out a statement noting the announcement yet indicated that it regarded that it still has a compelling investment case and significant growth opportunities.

Proof of this, said the BSkyB board, was its “excellent” operational and financial performance and strong balance sheet which “provides both strategic and financial flexibility”.

Commented BSkyB CEO Jeremy Darroch: "We are delivering on our clear, consistent strategy and are building a larger, more profitable business for the long term. We remain very confident in the broadly based growth opportunity for BSkyB as we continue to add new customers, sell more products, develop our leading position in content and innovation, and expand the contribution from our other businesses. I would like to commend all our employees for their unrelenting focus throughout the offer period and thank them for their continuing support."

Added Nicholas Ferguson, BSkyB’s Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Non-Executive Director: "Since the start of the offer period, BSkyB’s management team has remained fully focused on its strategic and operational priorities, as evidenced in the strong results reported for the first nine months of the financial year. With good momentum and a range of options for continued growth, BSkyB is well positioned to increase earnings and cash flow and deliver higher returns for shareholders."

BSkyB will announce on 29 July 2011 what are expected to be strong preliminary results for the 12 months ended 30 June 2011.