Media Concierge says this marks a significant milestone not only for the new business but for Media Concierge as a whole.
"As the first and largest investor in National World, we have long supported its mission to build a sustainable and independent news business rooted in trusted, community-based journalism," added Media Concierge.
"With this change, National World will become a privately owned company backed by a family business with a long-term outlook, focused on relationships, responsibility, and local impact."
National World publishes over one hundred regional news brands, including the Yorkshire Post, The Scotsman, The Portsmouth News, The Sheffield Star, The Newsletter and The Derry Journal.
Malcolm Denmark, CEO of Media Concierge, 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 brands, and we believe there is significant potential for growth and renewal with the right focus and investment.
“We would like to thank the National World teams for their professionalism and dedication throughout this period. Their work has kept the business strong and well-positioned for the future.
"We look forward to working together in this new phase.”
Malcolm Denmark released a message to National World staff as follows:
To everyone at National World,
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.
With best wishes,
Malcolm Denmark
CEO, Media Concierge
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