Canwest Global has increased its stake in Ulster Television to 12.1 per cent from 7.4 per cent, by purchasing an additional 1.843 million shares. The purchase will have cost the Candian company around £5 million. CanWest views UTV "as a strategic investment as we begin preparations for the launch of TV3 in the Republic of Ireland", according to a company statement. CanWest wanted a "productive and collaborative relationship between the two companies", it said. The company has already indicated that it is examining co-operation between the two stations in areas such as transmission facilities. CanWest is the largest shareholder in TV3 and, emphasising its influence in the new station, it said yesterday that it has appointed Mr Rick Hetherington as TV3's managing director. Mr Hetherington is a senior executive with CanWest.