COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

QVC Files Response to Paramount Appeal: Calling the Delaware Chancery Court’s decision to block key provisions of a friendly merger deal between Viacom and Paramount “correct and well-reasoned,” QVC Network Inc., in court papers filed Saturday, reiterated its argument that Paramount’s board of directors had breached its fiduciary duties by refusing to consider QVC’s bid for the movie and publishing powerhouse. Paramount and Viacom have appealed the Chancery Court’s verdict to the Delaware Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments in the case on Thursday. Responding to papers filed last week by Paramount and Viacom, QVC in its brief ridiculed Paramount’s contention that the original merger agreement with Viacom prohibited Paramount from considering other bids.