Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated she wants to clear the way for a swift sale of the Daily Telegraph to DMGT, the company that owns the Daily Mail.
The newspaper, one of Britain’s most prestigious broadsheets, has been mired in uncertainty over its future for several years.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Ms Nandy described the Telegraph as having been “in limbo for a long time” and stressed the importance of moving forward quickly in the public interest.
A £500 Million Deal on the Table
The potential sale follows an exclusivity agreement announced on Saturday between DMGT and RedBird IMI, an international consortium that purchased the Telegraph more than two years ago.
RedBird IMI has been actively seeking a buyer since that acquisition.
In her written statement, Ms Nandy noted, “Nineteen months have passed since RedBird IMI announced their intention to sell.
A sale has still not happened and the situation has become unsustainable.”
She added that the prolonged uncertainty has affected both the stability of the newspaper and its staff, while also making the wider sector less attractive for investment.
Next Steps for Regulatory Approval
Before the deal can go ahead, regulatory approval is required, including the Culture Secretary’s consent.
Ms Nandy set a clear expectation for progress: she wants the necessary request to be submitted within three weeks, given the lengthy delay so far.
If approved, the Daily Telegraph—with a 170-year legacy—would join DMGT’s diverse media portfolio, which includes Metro, The i Paper, and New Scientist.
DMGT Emphasizes the Changing Media Landscape
DMGT has highlighted the challenges facing modern news publishers.
In a company statement, they said the media landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade, with traditional outlets competing against global online platforms and countless social media sources, many of them unreliable.
The company stressed that trusted journalism remains vital and that media groups with scale and experience are best placed to maintain quality reporting in this environment.
A Legacy Newspaper Under New Ownership
DMGT Chairman Lord Rothermere expressed admiration for the Daily Telegraph, calling it Britain’s largest and highest-quality broadsheet.
He said, “My family and I have an enduring love of newspapers and for the journalists who make them.
The Daily Telegraph has a remarkable history and has played a vital role in shaping Britain’s national debate over many decades.”
With regulatory approval, the Telegraph will continue its historic legacy under new ownership while navigating a rapidly evolving media world.
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