Deloitte Legal client Rheinische Post Mediengruppe acquires Westfälische Medien Holding

A Deloitte Legal team led by Dr. Michael von Rüden, a Corporate/M&A partner in Düsseldorf, advised Rheinische Post Mediengruppe (RPM) on its acquisition of Westfälische Medien Holding AG (WMH).

RPM and WMH's shareholders have entered into an agreement for RPM to acquire all shares. This acquisition will significantly expand RPM's market position in its core business area of regional media in the important North Rhine-Westphalia home market and establish it as the daily newspaper publishing group with the highest circulation in the region. The new, larger group will offer additional growth potential for all WMH titles, particularly in the digital sector. At the same time, the acquisition strengthens the media group's journalistic reputation as the “voice of the West.”

The acquisition is still subject to approval by the Federal Cartel Office. The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the transaction.

"With its long-established titles, Westfälische Medien Holding has regional media brands that are well-established in the Münsterland and East Westphalia regions. This investment in economically strong regions of our home market of North Rhine-Westphalia demonstrates the commitment of all shareholders and the management of our group to the potential of regional quality journalism in the digital age," emphasizes Johannes Werle, the CEO of Rheinische Post Mediengruppe.

About Westfälische Medien Holding AG:

As the publisher of Westfälische Nachrichten, Münstersche Zeitung, Westfalen-Blatt, Westfälisches Volksblatt, and Allgemeine Zeitung Coesfeld, Westfälische Medien Holding AG is the leading provider of quality journalism in Münster, Westphalia, and much of East Westphalia. The company also has successful digital content and category offerings, a modern and efficient printing plant, and logistics and service offerings. Additionally, it has local radio activities throughout the Münsterland region.

Legal Advisors to Rheinische Post Mediengruppe GmbH
Deloitte Legal: Dr. Michael von Rüden (Lead, Partner), Dirk Hänisch (Partner), Maximilian Giepmann (Associate) und Victoria Zahn (Associate, all Corporate/M&A, all Düsseldorf), Dr. Charlotte Sander (Partner), Claus Wilker (Counsel), Dr. Theresa Kohl (Counsel, alle Employment Law, alle Hannover), Dr. Lars Hinrichs (Partner, Employment Law, Hamburg), Hagen Brasse (Counsel, Real Estate, Berlin), Janina Schmitt (Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt)