Gef Sold to New Owners

A shake-up in the media world could be heading Gef’s way after Tindle Newspapers announced it is being sold to a new joint venture.

The business, built up by the late Sir Ray Tindle, publishes around 30 newspaper titles and websites across the UK, including right here on the Isle of Man.

And yes, that includes us.

Tindle is also the owner of Media Isle of Man, the island’s most-read media platform, which publishes the Isle of Man Examiner, Manx Independent and The Courier, as well as running Isle of Man Today and (most importantly, obviously) Gef the Mongoose.

The deal will see the business taken over by a joint venture between Iliffe Media Group Ltd and the Fowler family, with the aim of keeping the titles in private, family ownership.

Owen Tindle, chairman of Tindle Newspapers and son of Sir Ray, said the move is about securing the future of local journalism in an increasingly digital world.

He said: ‘We believe this change of ownership represents the best strategy for our much-loved local brands to succeed in the long term.

‘The titles will benefit from the greater combined resources of the new owners and their significant experience in developing sustainable digital subscription models.

‘This has not been an easy decision for my family. The business was built by my late father and we are immensely proud of its rich heritage and the important role it has long played in the communities we serve.

‘Being a responsible long-term custodian also means recognising when it is time for change.

‘Given the scale and speed of digital transformation within our industry, and the competition from global technology platforms, we are passing the baton to owners with the resources and expertise to ensure the long-term sustainability of quality local journalism.’

Media Isle of Man managing director Sam Jones said the company was grateful for the support it had received from the Tindle family over many years.

She said: ‘We are extremely grateful to the Tindle family for their support and encouragement of our brands on the Isle of Man during their stewardship.

‘We look forward to working with the new owners and would like to reassure readers that, for our staff, publications and customers, it will very much be business as usual.’

So while the names at the top might be changing, the message is clear, local news isn’t going anywhere… and Gef will still be lurking in your feed. So lucky you.