Yorkshire Post publisher National World has acquired Midland News Association, publishers of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, in an £11m deal.
In a statement, the company said: “National World today announces the acquisition of two of the UK’s most prestigious daily titles, The Express & Star and the Shropshire Star.
“Many of National World’s innovations, particularly in video, events and community media, will benefit the newly acquired titles and accelerate the development of a sustainable business model. We welcome our new colleagues, who have nurtured all the brands in The Express and Star parent company, Midland News Association Ltd, to the National World family.
“Through its City World brands and Insider Media, National World already has a strong presence in the region and as a result of this acquisition it is expected that the National World portfolio in the region will average 20 million page views per month, making it one of the leading news publishers in the UK’s second largest media market outside London.”
In addition to the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, titles published by the MNA include a range of paid and free weekly newspapers covering the Black Country, Staffordshire news, Shropshire and Mid Wales, plus farming and lifestyle magazines.
“As part of the deal, National World has also acquired Press Computer Systems Limited (PCS). PCS provides software-as-a-service technology solutions to publishers, enabling closer collaboration across editorial, advertising, and production processes,” the statement added. “It is widely used in the local news publishing industry and will support National World’s transition into a fully digitised publishing operation.”
National World chairman, David Montgomery, said: “These historic and premium brands will strengthen our footprint, improving our Midlands and national rankings in UK media. Our innovations in TV and video, specialist content and our move to greater automation, will enhance the future performance of these new additions to the group.
The acquisition comes in the midst of a a pay dispute with National World journalists, who took strike action last month for the first time in the company’s history.
Laura Davison, NUJ national organiser, said: “Members are stunned at National World’s actions as they shun discussions with the NUJ on improved pay for members. Paying millions for new titles as existing journalists at the company share the impact of financial difficulties shows a blatant disregard for the value of its staff. It is clear National World’s priorities lay far from improving journalists’ pay and retention – reps will meet early next week to discuss today’s news alongside next steps in the campaign.”
