A new company will now be created to run the combined print and primary distribution operations.
The joint venture will help improve the efficiency of News UK and DMG Media’s print operations and establish a sustainable business model for the future of national newspaper printing in the UK, say the two companies. The combined plants are expected to print more than three million newspapers a night and almost 22 million a week.
The joint venture will operate independently, with its own senior leadership team drawn from Newsprinters and DMG Media. Darren Barker, currently Managing Director of Newsprinters, will become CEO, while Julia Palmer-Poucher, currently Group Production Director at DMG, will become COO. The new company is expected to go live in early June.
The joint venture is limited to the parties’ printing operations and does not represent closer working between News UK and DMG Media on media, editorial or commercial activity.
It will retain the three current Newsprinters sites in Broxbourne (Hertfordshire), Knowsley (Merseyside) and Eurocentral (Glasgow); meaning the closure of DMG Media sites in Thurrock (Essex) and Dinnington (Sheffield). DMG Media will retain sole ownership of the Carn print site in Northern Ireland which is unaffected by the joint venture.
News UK EVP, Chief Operating Officer, David Dinsmore said: “It has been our long-term view that consolidating print operations is vital to retaining a national network of print and distribution logistics and, crucially, supporting the unique plural media landscape in the UK. I’m delighted that the CMA has cleared the combination of our printing operations. This decision means that readers of all newspapers can expect to enjoy them for many years to come. I have no doubt that the new company created by this joint venture - led by Darren Barker - will provide best-in-class service to all the newsbrands it serves.”
James Welsh, Deputy CEO, DMG Media, said: “Today’s announcement from the CMA is an important milestone for our industry. The combination will ensure that our readers, and those of other newspapers, can enjoy the paper they love for many years to come. It has been an uncertain time for our production teams and I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and professionalism.”
Managing Director of Newsprinters UK, Darren Barker, added: “This partnership creates the foundations for the continued production and distribution of millions of newspapers across the UK every day, informing and entertaining millions of loyal readers. I’m excited to lead the team which will play its part in ensuring a long-term sustainable future for the newspaper printing industry, clients and the national daily newspaper ecosystem in the UK.”
DMG Media Group Production Director, Julia Palmer-Poucher, added: “The news industry has transformed and continues to change rapidly. We needed to make changes to our print capacity to underpin our commitment to our print titles and their readers. This was a difficult but necessary step to provide a sustainable future for our print operations. Whilst I am saddened that our sites will close, this decision ends a period of uncertainty and allows us to proceed. I look forward to working with Darren and the new leadership team in this exciting new phase for our industry.”
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