Iconic Media Group Plans Takeover Of Alpha Media Group Titles

Iconic Media Group, already the most prominent regional newspaper publisher in Ireland, is set to further expand its footprint in Northern Ireland through the acquisition of a network of local newspapers.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has confirmed it has been notified by Iconic Media Group Ltd, owned by London-based businessman Malcolm Denmark, of its intention to take sole control of Alpha Media Group.

Iconic Media Group already owns several established newspaper titles in Northern Ireland, including the local Coleraine Times and the Belfast Newsletter.

Alpha Media Group is based in Dungannon and owns 13 newspapers and associated websites operating outside the Belfast area. Its titles include the Newry Democrat, Mid Ulster Courier, Coleraine Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Ballycastle Chronicle and the Ballymena Guardian. The company also runs the YourAdsNI advertising platform, which focuses on the Northern Ireland market.

Media mergers are subject to an enhanced regulatory process that includes scrutiny by the CCPC, followed by consideration by the media minister. All of Mr Denmark’s recent acquisitions have been approved through this process, including last year’s purchase by Formpress of the Inishowen Independent.