Trinity Mirror in talks to combine with Desmond’s UK papers

Newspaper group Trinity Mirror said it was in early talks about investing in a new company comprising assets owned by Northern & Shell, Richard Desmond's group that owns the Daily Express and Daily Star titles.

The British publisher of the Daily Mirror said on Tuesday that no offer had been made and there was no certainty that any agreement would be reached.

A combination would unite the left-leaning Mirror with the Daily Star tabloid and the Express, one of the biggest cheerleaders for Brexit. The titles rank fourth, sixth and eighth respectively in the national newspaper rankings compiled by ABC.

Falling print circulation

British newspaper groups are battling falling print circulation and weakening demand from advertisers. Analysts have said consolidation could deliver savings and give publishers breathing space to better monetise their online content.

TV3 promises ‘new world’ of TV – but what about the ‘old world’?

---

Sportdec looking to close €3m fundraising deal to expand app

---

Up to 24 vulture funds paid less than €20,000 in tax

---

Five reasons why ‘Dancing with the Stars’ needs to hit the mark for RTÉ

---

Richard Desmond established his media empire by publishing specialist magazines, including adult titles such as the British edition of Penthouse. He launched celebrity title OK! in 1993. He bought the Express titles, which also include the Sunday Express, in 2000 for £125 million (€143.5 million).

– (Bloomberg)