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Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group
MINT· 2025-09-15 15:43
Core Viewpoint - Lynn Forester de Rothschild is considering selling a significant minority stake in The Economist Group, which would be the first major ownership change in a decade for the 182-year-old publication [1][3]. Group Overview - The Economist Group encompasses the Economist magazine, website, app, podcasts, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Economist Impact, which focuses on macroeconomic and geopolitical research and events [5]. Sale Process - A sale process for approximately 20% of voting shares is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks, potentially generating between £200 million ($271 million) and £400 million [2]. - The sale is expected to attract high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and strategic investors interested in premium media [2]. Financial Performance - The Economist Group reported revenues of £369 million and an operating profit of about £48 million for the year ending March 31, according to its 2025 annual report [6]. - Subscriptions increased by 3% year-on-year to 1.25 million, with digital subscriptions making up 85% of new starts [6]. Ownership Structure - The share capital of The Economist is divided into ordinary shares, "A" special shares, "B" special shares, and trust shares, with the Rothschild family controlling 26.7% of the issued share capital [9][10]. - Exor, the investment firm of the Agnelli family, is the largest investor with a 43.4% stake [3].