Two more join `Scotsman' race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOHN ARLIDGE
Scotland Correspondent
Two more English newspaper groups have entered the race to buy the Scotsman. Northcliffe Newspapers and Midland Independent Newspapers are preparing bids for Thomson Regional Newspapers' Scottish titles, which include the Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and the Aberdeen Press and Journal.
The move brings to 11 the number of publishers bidding to buy the titles, which were put up for sale last month. So far only four have publicly declared their hand.
Northcliffe, which publishes 48 regional newspapers in England and Wales, said yesterday it was "examining a possible acquisition". Executives are understood to be impressed by the success of their sister company, Associated Newspapers, which entered the rejuvenated Scottish market this year with a Scottish edition of the Daily Mail. Sales of the Mail in Scotland have doubled in six months.
Although Midland said it could not comment yesterday, senior executives are believed to be looking for a partner to launch a full bid for Scotsman Publications and Aberdeen Journals. In March, Chris Oakley, the Birmingham- based company's chief executive, said he was looking for acquisitions.
The other groups that have confirmed their interest are Caledonian Publishing, owners of the Glasgow Herald, and Publications (Scotland) Ltd, a consortium of right-wing business leaders. Earlier this month Professor Ross Harper, the head of the consortium, said he would launch a bid "within days". But although he issued a statement last week announcing that the consortium had engaged the merchant bank Hambros, no details of the bid have yet emerged.
Among other publishers thought to be in the running are Mirror Group, owner of the Daily Record, Scotland's biggest-selling newspaper, and DC Thomson, the Dundee-based group that publishes the highly profitable Courier and Sunday Post newspapers. DC Thomson is understood to be interested in acquiring Aberdeen Journals alone, consolidating its position in north- east Scotland.
The Canadian Thomson Corporation announced the sale of its Scottish titles in early July. The asking price is estimated at pounds 150m-pounds 180m. The deadline for bids is the end of next week.
Although some commentators have predicted that a sale would be concluded by the end of October, Nigel Harrison, Thomson's executive vice-president, warned yesterday that the process could be protracted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments