It’s all about the numbers in media land

The Belgian buyers of INM snatched up the national media group at a bargain price. But what exactly are they getting?

Gert Ysebaert, chief executive, and Thomas Leysen, chairman, Mediahuis: eyes wide open Pic: Bryan Meade

So what are the Belgian buyers of INM purchasing? Leaving aside the ominous prospect of the report into potential data hacking, there is another story to be told about the tie-up between the two firms, and it all revolves around the numbers.

Crucially, INM remains a highly profitable firm for its sector, ironically more profitable than Mediahuis, its would-be buyer. Based on its expected performance this year, INM will post a profit (known ...