Independent Newspapers plans to take full control of its South African operations are now assured of success, with the group holding 97 per cent of the shares in the South African subsidiary.

Independent already owned 76 per cent of Independent Newspapers Holdings but earlier this year offered to buy out the minority shareholders at 26.50 rand a share. The move cost Independent £47 million (€59.7 million) and values the South African operation at £195 million.