The Scotsman will have a new owner from next week

Edinburgh Reporter

23-05-2025

Regional publisher National World will be under new ownership from next week after the takeover by Media Concierge cleared its final legal hurdles.
The takeover – which valued the group at £65million – will take effect on Tuesday 27 May after being given approval by the High Court in London yesterday.
It will mean historic regional newsbrands such as The Yorkshire Post, The Scotsman and Portsmouth daily The News will have their fourth owner in the space of just over five years.
In a message to staff at the publisher, Media Concierge boss Malcolm Denmark pledged that as a privately-owned business rather than a public company accountable to shareholders, it would not be focused on 'short-term results.'
Malcolm Denmark
Mr Denmark, pictured, said: 'As we begin this new chapter together, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your professionalism, and your continued commitment to delivering trusted local journalism.
'We know that the recent period, as the process of acquiring the business unfolded, brought a degree of uncertainty—but your focus and resilience have ensured that the work has gone on, and that does not go unnoticed.
'Our company, Media Concierge, has been a strong supporter of local and regional media for many years. In fact, we were the first and largest investor in National World.
'From the outset, we believed in the vision of building a sustainable and independent news business that serves communities across the UK. That belief has not changed.
'Now, as we move from investor to owner, our approach is straightforward. We want to support you in doing what you already do so well. You know your audiences, your titles, and your communities. The most important thing we can do right now is to give you the space and confidence to carry on—business as usual.
'This change of ownership also means National World will become a privately owned, independent business. We are a family-owned company, and that gives us a different perspective. We are not focused on short-term results. We take a longer-term view, built on relationships—whether with our teams, our readers, or our customers.
'In the weeks ahead, we will be reaching out to introduce ourselves and start the conversation. We're keen to listen, to understand what's working well, and to hear any thoughts you may have as we settle in. Our aim is to support you in the most practical and helpful way we can.
'We are excited about what lies ahead and confident that, together, we can build something of real and lasting value.'
Earlier Mr Denmark had welcomed the decision of the High Court in London to approve the Scheme of Arrangement giving effect to its acquisition of National World.
The takeover had already been approved by National World shareholders but had been awaiting final regulatory approval from the Irish government and the UK courts.
Mr Denmark said: 'The formal approval of the transaction marks the final step in the process, and we are pleased to be moving forward. National World is home to some of the UK's most respected and long-established regional media, and we believe there is significant potential for growth and renewal with the right focus and investment.
'As a long-term investor in the business, and with extensive experience managing local and regional news brands in Ireland, we understand both the challenges and the value of high-quality, community-based journalism.
'We greatly appreciate the dedication and professionalism shown by National World's teams throughout this period. Their commitment has ensured the business remains on a strong operational footing.
'We now look forward to working together to support and strengthen the business in what we believe can be an exciting new chapter.'
National World – headed by David Montgomery – was created after its purchase of the former Johnston Press/JPI Media titles for £10.2m in 2020.
Mr Montgomery had hoped to remain in control of the company with the help of Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, but the latter pulled out of a potential rival bid for the company last week.
This article was first published on Hold The Front Page here and is republished with the permission of Hold The Front Page a fellow member of the Independent Community News Network (ICNN).
Paul Linford
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