Beleaguered ITV waits for white knight.(ITV PLC)

LONDON With its share price taking a battering, and an imminent decision expected over the sale of BSkyB's 17.9% stake in the web, Blighty's leading commercial broadcaster ITV just can't shake the rumors of a takeover bid.

Adding to the mounting speculation last week was Pier Silvio, son of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and deputy chairman of his broadcast group. Discussing the company's growth plans in an interview with Italian financial daily II Sole 24 Ore, Berlusconi fils set tongues wagging by suggesting Endetool, which Mediaset acquired last year, was considering buying ITV.

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The news gave shares in the …