Media

Indo publisher claims Irish merger laws hinder European deals

Belgium-based Mediahuis has contacted government ministers to complain about what it calls Ireland’s ‘disproportionate’ rules

Independent House, offices for Mediahuis titles. ‘Mediahuis recognises and supports the protection of media plurality as an important matter of public policy,’ the company said. Picture: Feargal Ward

The Belgian owner of the Irish Independent has complained that Ireland’s “prejudicial” media merger laws are negatively impacting its ability to execute deals with other companies around Europe.

Mediahuis, which bought Independent News & Media for €145 million in 2019, has contacted government ministers to complain about what it calls the country’s “disproportionate” rules.

The group recently acquired EU news brand Euractiv – and has also been linked with the Telegraph Group, which owns The Telegraph and Spectator titles, since it was put up for sale in June 2023.