Capital’s ‘free-sheets’ agree merger terms after lengthy negotiations

THE Dublin newspaper market’s leading two daily “free-sheet” titles – Herald AM and Metro Ireland – have agreed merger terms, following long-running negotiations.

The move will, pending Competition Authority approval, result in one main free-sheet title for the greater Dublin area called Metro Herald, with a daily print run of 70,000 copies. It will be owned in equal shares by Herald AM’s current owner, Independent News & Media (INM) and Metro Ireland’s joint owners, Associated Newspapers and the Irish Times. The move, when completed, is thought likely to result in a number of job losses. However, that could not be confirmed yesterday.

“This is a great development for all three parties. This combination of two quality free daily titles ensures that, despite the difficult market conditions, Dublin commuters will continue to enjoy a free daily newspaper and advertisers will benefit from access to a young, urban audience,” commented Associated Newspapers’ (Free Division) managing director, Steve Auckland.