The publisher of the Daily Mirror newspaper is in talks to acquire 100% of Daily Express group Northern & Shell.
Trinity Mirror said today that it has “ceased discussions to acquire a minority stake” and is instead in talks to buy the publisher, which also comprises the Daily Star, in its entirety.
“Further to the announcement made on 10 January 2017, the board of Trinity Mirror notes that it is now in discussions to acquire 100% of the publishing assets of Northern & Shell and that it has ceased discussions to acquire a minority stake,” the group said.
Northern & Shell is owned by Richard Desmond, who acquired the titles in 2000 for £125 million, although it is unclear how much a deal would be worth today.
The print media industry is grappling with a decline in print advertising and any combination could herald cost savings and a shared cut of a larger advertising pool.
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