John R. Paloian

MONTREAL—In a sharp and assertive tone, Brian Mulroney, chairman of Quebecor World, attempted to put down any industry rumors that the company's recent management troubles can be traced back to Pierre Karl Peladeau, chief executive of Quebecor Inc. "I mention this because of facile commentary in some quarters about a 'P.K. discount', with the suggestion that there is constant interference that undermines operating management," Mulroney told shareholders at the company's annual meeting recently. There have been rumblings among some shareholders that the recent wave of executive departures, as well as the announcement that the company would miss first quarter profit expectations, was the result of Peladeau's