the business

The fact that sales rose at the fastest pace in four years, and that the full-year outlook was raised for a second straight quarter, gave investors the confidence that momentum in the business was building.

Earlier this year Mr Zaslav said he was preparing a break-up of the business, which would split its streaming operations from its traditional cable networks.

Warner Brothers Discovery board chairman Samuel Dipiazza said the company still believed in the merits of its plan to split the assets but would now review other options, including sale of all or parts of the business.

The business of making equipment and supplies used for medical research “historically has been a good area for investment, because scientists tend to be loyal,” Albertini said.

“This makes the business stable and predictable. About 70% of revenues at Bio-ad are recurring. The company dominates small niches,” he said.