Penningtons Manches Cooper advises Claverley Group Limited on the sale of the Midland News Association to National World

Posted: 04/10/2023

The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised West Midlands based Claverley Group Limited on the sale of the Midland News Association, publishers of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, to National World, one of the UK’s leading media organisations.
 
Midland News Association, established in 1874, is one of Britain’s largest independent media agencies and the publisher of some of the UK's most popular regional newspapers, including the Express & Star, Britain's biggest selling local title. In addition, National World has also acquired Press Computer Systems Limited (PCS) from the Claverley Group, a provider of software-as-a-service technology solutions to publishers, enabling closer collaboration across editorial, advertising and production processes.
 
The Penningtons Manches Cooper team advising Claverley Group was led by corporate partner Richard Wrigley, with support from associate Jennifer Ford and trainee solicitor Kajol Harrar. The wider team included support from corporate tax partner Oliver Gutman, pensions partner Alison Hills and senior associate Clare Coley, commercial managing associate Edmund Forey, and banking and finance senior associate Andy Rushfirth.
 
Claverley Group CEO, Phil Inman, commented: “We are pleased to have concluded the sale of the Midlands News Association and their iconic brands. After careful consideration, all parties agreed that a larger media organisation, such as National World, was better placed to secure the future of the business. I’d like to thank Richard Wrigley and the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper for their expertise and advice on this important sale for Claverley Group.”
 
Richard Wrigley, corporate partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper, said: “We are delighted to have advised Claverley Group on this strategically significant sale which marks their exit from regional newspaper publishing. We look forward to continuing to support Claverley Group in the future.”

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