Summary:
Lusa now fully owned by the State after signing agreement with Global Media Group.
State's ownership percentage in Lusa is 95.86%.
Global Media sold its 23.36% stake for about €1.3 million.
Nine editorial brands from Global Media transferred to Notícias Ilimitadas.
Solid partnership aimed between Global Media and Notícias Ilimitadas.
Significant Media Acquisition in Portugal
Lusa is now 100% owned by the State following a definitive agreement signed with the Global Media Group. This deal, finalized on July 31, 2024, marks a significant shift in media ownership in Portugal.
The agreement comes after the sale of nine editorial brands from Global Media, which resulted in the exit of the World Opportunity Fund (WOF) from Páginas Civilizadas. Consequently, this led to the sale of shares in Lusa by both Páginas Civilizadas and Global Media. The latter held a 23.36% stake in Lusa, which was sold for approximately €1.3 million, adjusted for nearly €1 million owed by Global Media to the news agency.
Prior to this agreement, there was already a preliminary deal in place among the Government, Global Media, and Páginas Civilizadas for the sale of their 45.71% stake in Lusa, which has now been finalized. As a result, the State now owns 95.86% of Lusa, while other stakeholders include Notícias de Portugal with 2.72%, Público with 1.38%, RTP with 0.03%, and Diário do Minho with 0.01%.
In addition to the Lusa acquisition, the contract for the sale of nine editorial brands from Global Media to Notícias Ilimitadas was also executed, including well-known titles like TSF, Jornal de Notícias, and O Jogo. Meanwhile, other publications such as Diário de Notícias, Dinheiro Vivo, and Motor 24 remain under the Global Media umbrella, which aims to establish a "solid partnership" with Notícias Ilimitadas.
Note: This news has been updated with information regarding the State's ownership percentage in the Lusa Agency.
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