Forester de Rothschild to sell 400m stake in The Economist in biggest ownership shake-up in a decade

"Lynn Forester de Rothschild is preparing to sell her 20 per cent interest in The Economist, paving the way for the most significant change in the 182-year-old publication's ownership since 2015. The British-American financier, 71, has appointed investment bank Lazard to oversee the process, which remains at an early stage. The stake, made up of voting shares, could fetch as much as £400 million based on current valuations of the premium media group."

"The Economist Group, which owns the weekly magazine, website, podcasts, the Economist Intelligence Unit and Economist Impact events business, employs 1,540 staff across 26 countries. Last year, the group reported revenues of £369 million, up 3 per cent on the year before, with operating profits of £48.1 million. Subscriptions rose 3 per cent to 1.25 million, including an 8 per cent increase in digital-only customers."

"It would be the first major shake-up since Pearson sold most of its 50 per cent holding a decade ago. That move allowed Italy's Agnelli family, through its Exor investment firm, to emerge as the magazine's single largest shareholder, with a 43.4 per cent stake. Forester de Rothschild, who married the late financier Sir Evelyn de Rothschild in 2000, inherited and built upon his holdings."

Lynn Forester de Rothschild is preparing to sell her 20 per cent voting interest in The Economist and has appointed Lazard to manage an early-stage sale that could reach £400 million. The sale would mark the most significant ownership change since Pearson sold most of its stake, enabling Exor to become the largest shareholder with 43.4 per cent. Forester inherited and expanded family holdings through EL Rothschild. Likely buyers are expected to be high-net-worth individuals or family offices. The Economist Group operates global media and intelligence businesses, reported £369 million revenue and £48.1 million operating profit, and maintains a reputation for independence that attracts subscribers and premium advertisers.

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