Newsquest acquires Archant

Newsquest Media Group has completed the acquisition of Archant Community Media Ltd, it has been announced. The Norwich-based publisher holds a portfolio of leading local newsbrands principally in East Anglia, including the likes of the East Anglia Daily Times, Norwich Evening News, and Ipswich Star. 

“We’re really looking forward to working with the Archant team who have done a phenomenal job rebuilding the business after it went into administration 18 months ago,” said Henry Faure Walker, Newsquest’s CEO. 

“The Archant strategy focused on building out digital marketing solutions and digital subscriptions is closely aligned with our own; and the additional scale that our combination brings will greatly assist Archant’s local news and Life brands in building a stronger future.”

Lorna Willis, Archant’s CEO commented: “By bringing the best of Archant and Newsquest together we have the opportunity to lead the way in building an exciting future for regional media, a future that speaks to growth, innovation and sustainability, built on quality local journalism.”

Archant currently employs 760 staff and also publishes a number of leading regional Country Life magazines. It was published by Newsquest from Rcapital, a private investment firm who has owned the Archant business since September 2020. Further info here.