UK — Axel Springer completed its acquisition of Telegraph Media Group for £575 million after securing regulatory approvals in the UK, Ireland, and Austria. The acquisition grants Axel Springer full control over the UK newspaper group.

Mathias Döpfner, Chief Executive and controlling shareholder of Axel Springer, stated, "Today is a day we have worked towards for a long time, and one we will always remember." He added that the company aimed to invest in the Telegraph to establish it as the "leading centre-right media outlet in the English-speaking world." Axel Springer attempted to acquire Telegraph Media Group in 2004, but the Barclay brothers' £665 million offer prevailed at that time. Döpfner has led Axel Springer since 2002.

Döpfner intends to leverage digital assets to advance the Telegraph's digital transformation and expand its presence in the United States. "This creates a strong foundation for further accelerating our AI-powered digital transformation," he said. He also affirmed that the editorial independence of titles was "sacrosanct." The Telegraph will join Axel Springer's portfolio of media brands, which includes Bild, Die Welt, Politico, and Business Insider.

Chris Evans, Editor-in-Chief of the Telegraph, commented on the acquisition. Evans stated, "Axel Springer and we have much in common." He added, "We share the same values. We also share the same vision and the same ambition." Evans further said, "We believe there are many opportunities to grow the Telegraph, both in the UK and overseas." He stated, "After three, difficult years without owners, we look forward to stoking up the engines and setting forth on a new voyage."

The sale of the Telegraph newspapers began in 2023 when the Barclay family lost control of the group due to £1.16 billion in unpaid debts to Lloyds Bank. RedBird IMI gained control of Telegraph Media Group by agreeing to pay the Barclays' debts. However, RedBird IMI was compelled to put the Telegraph titles back up for sale after the British government enacted a law prohibiting foreign states or associated individuals from owning UK newspaper assets. This law introduced a 15% cap on foreign state influence through the foreign state influence regime.

A consortium led by RedBird Capital had previously tabled a £500 million deal for the Telegraph titles last year but withdrew in November. Daily Mail & General Trust then secured a deal for the Telegraph titles in November after receiving permission from the UK government to acquire the right-to-buy option from RedBird IMI. Axel Springer then submitted an offer that was £75 million higher than that of Daily Mail & General Trust, which RedBird IMI accepted.