Daily Telegraph Set for Major Ownership Change as DMGT Deal Progresses
Introduction: A Historic Media Transaction
The Daily Telegraph, one of Britain’s most influential newspapers, is undergoing a significant ownership transition that could reshape the UK’s media landscape. A deal struck on 22 November 2025 would see its ownership transferred to Daily Mail owner DMGT, ending two years of uncertainty for the 170-year-old publication. This £500 million acquisition represents one of the most important media deals in recent British history, potentially creating a powerful right-wing press bloc to rival existing media empires.
The Road to the Current Deal
On 14 November 2025, RedBird dropped their bid to buy the papers due to negative media coverage related to the deal and regulatory scrutiny in the UK. The US investment firm had previously reached an agreement to acquire the Telegraph Media Group, but faced significant opposition. It follows two years of ownership uncertainty for the Telegraph titles and comes less than two weeks after RedBird Capital abandoned its £500m takeover bid, with regulatory uncertainty and negative comments from the paper itself cited as concerns. RedBird IMI had initially agreed to buy the media group however foreign state ownership of media rules brought in by the government thwarted its attempt.
DMGT Secures Funding and Moves Forward
Daily Mail owner has secured funding to facilitate purchase of The Telegraph. In a crucial development, DMGT has agreed to pay the total sum in two instalments with an initial £400m payment funded by an increase in the group’s debt with its longstanding bank NatWest and through existing company cash. Daily Mail owner DMGT has said it is “determined to proceed at pace” in the purchase of The Telegraph, signalling its commitment to completing the transaction swiftly.
Regulatory Review and Timeline
Details of the financing structure will be submitted this week to culture secretary Lisa Nandy to assess before the offer can proceed. Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority will also have to review the deal. According to industry analysts, DMGT’s bid can be expected for guaranteed clearance by March, providing a clear timeline for when the ownership change might be finalised.
Conclusion: Implications for UK Media
If approved, this acquisition will significantly concentrate conservative media influence in Britain, as the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph will join the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Metro, the i Paper and New Scientist among the Lord Rothermere owned media group’s portfolio. The deal promises to end a prolonged period of uncertainty for Telegraph staff and readers, whilst raising important questions about media plurality and competition in the UK press landscape. For British journalism, this represents a watershed moment that will likely influence political discourse and media dynamics for years to come.