Media Groups Line Up For Belfast Telegraph

As the deadline for bids in the auction of the Belfast Telegraph passed last night, a number of major media groups had joined the list. The expected line-up for the Ulster newspaper is expected to include Independent News & Media, Gannett, Regional Independent Media and a management buyout team backed by venture capitalists.

The newspaper is owned by Trinity Mirror but the recently merged newspaper group was given a year to dispose of the title as part of the terms of its merger (see Trinity And Mirror Seal Merger In £2bn Deal). Interested bidders have been emerging since then (see Bidders Line Up For Trinity’s Belfast Telegraph) and the deadline was set for last night. The title is expected to fetch at least £200m.

The buyer is almost certain to be investigated by the Competition Commission and it is rumoured that Trinity plans to split the printing arm from the publishing of its newspapers in order to help the sale get cleared by the regulators.

There was no-one available for comment at Trinity Mirror when contacted by Newsline today.

Trinity Mirror: 020 7293 3000