RedBird Capital Companions has struck a deal to accumulate the Telegraph Media Group for £500 million ($674.2 million), marking the biggest funding in U.Ok. print media in a decade and positioning the non-public fairness powerhouse as one in every of Britain’s largest media gamers.

With the acquisition of the 170-year-old newspaper model, RedBird is planning important capital investments in digital operations, AI-powered analytics, and worldwide enlargement — significantly concentrating on the U.S. market the place the agency already has substantial media holdings.

“This transaction marks the beginning of a brand new period for The Telegraph as we glance to develop the model within the U.Ok. and internationally, put money into its know-how and broaden its subscriber base,” stated Gerry Cardinale, RedBird’s founder and managing companion. “We consider that the U.Ok. is a good place to speculate, and this acquisition is a crucial a part of RedBird’s rising portfolio of media and leisure firms within the U.Ok.”

The deal expands RedBird’s British media empire, which incorporates Premier League champions Liverpool FC, tv manufacturing large All3Media, Fulwell Leisure (the corporate behind James Corden’s “Late” ventures), and video gaming studio Construct a Rocket Boy. The agency can be set to accumulate Channel 5 as a part of Skydance Leisure’s mega-merger with Paramount International.

Anna Jones, CEO of Telegraph Media Group, stated: “Telegraph Media Group is an award-winning information media group, with distinctive journalism at its coronary heart, supported by main business experience, a dedication to innovation and a laser concentrate on knowledge to drive technique. RedBird Capital Companions have thrilling progress plans that construct on our success – and can unlock our full potential throughout the breadth of our enterprise.”

Chris Evans, editor of The Every day Telegraph, added: “The Telegraph has made huge progress lately for the reason that launch of its digital subscriptions technique, due to the laborious work of its good workers. However there’s way more that may be achieved. With the appropriate plan and the appropriate funding by formidable new house owners, this venerable title can sit up for an period of unprecedented success.”

RedBird’s flagship investments embrace Skydance Media (Larry and David Ellison) and its pending merger with Paramount International, AC Milan, Fenway Sports activities Group (Boston Pink Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, PGA Tour), the Yankees Leisure & Sports activities (YES) Community (New York Yankees and Amazon), Artists Fairness (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon), the United Soccer League (Disney/ESPN, Fox and Dwayne Johnson), the Indian Premier League’s Rajasthan Royals, and Method One’s Alpine Racing crew.

RedBird is bringing on choose U.Ok.-based minority traders with print media experience, whereas Worldwide Media Investments will take part as a minority stakeholder pending regulatory approval relating to overseas possession thresholds.

Past leisure, RedBird has constructed a $12 billion asset administration enterprise with important holdings in monetary providers, together with Arax wealth administration and Aquarian insurance coverage platform.