Benchmark International

Iconic Media Group and The Mayo News today announce that an agreement in principle, subject to normal regulatory approvals and clearance, has been reached to purchase the Westport-based local newspaper.

The Mayo News is one of the longest established newspapers in the country, having been established in 1892. The paper has a proud history of serving the local community with its efforts being recognised by a host of awards including the prestigious European Local Newspaper of The Year prize twice, in 2007 and 2014.

The Mayo News has been in the ownership of the Berry family for a number of decades.

Iconic Media Group is Ireland's largest independently owned regional newspaper and media group. Should the sale be approved, it would increase the footprint of the company, which already owns over 15 local weekly titles. These include The Donegal Democrat, The Limerick Leader and The Leinster Express.

Commenting on the sale, Dermot Berry, Managing Director of The Mayo News, said: “This was a difficult decision for me but ultimately in the current environment I feel that the future of the paper and the fantastic staff will be better served by being part of a larger publishing group with the resources to take the brand forward. I have been impressed by the progress that Iconic have made over the last few years, especially with digital, so I feel that it’s going to a good home”.

Mr Berry added: “I would like to express my thanks to all of the staff that have done such a brilliant job over the years, I feel confident that they will find an environment in which they can develop and flourish with Iconic.”

Iconic Media Group’s Malcolm Denmark commented: “I’m looking forward to welcoming The Mayo News to the Iconic family. It will be an honour to take over the stewardship of such a quality title, and one that fits our publishing ethos. We look forward to providing more news content to the Mayo community. We have exciting plans for the future of both the newspaper and website.”

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Enquiries@BenchmarkIntl.com

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