Telegraph Takeover Collapses as RedBird Withdraws
In a dramatic turn of events, the proposed £500 million sale of The Telegraph has collapsed after US investment group RedBird Capital Partners abruptly withdrew from the deal. This development throws the future of the 170-year-old British newspaper into serious question and marks the latest twist in a tumultuous two-year takeover process.
Deal Termination and Official Statements
A spokesperson for RedBird Capital Partners confirmed the withdrawal, stating: "RedBird has today withdrawn its bid for the Telegraph Media Group." Despite pulling out, the group expressed confidence in the publication's prospects, adding, "We remain fully confident that the Telegraph and its world-class team have a bright future ahead of them and will work hard to secure a solution which is in the best interests of employees and readers."
The decision was announced on Friday 14 November 2025. A source close to the investment firm revealed deeper frustrations, indicating that excessive time and significant opposition ultimately doomed the transaction. "This got pulled because there was simply too much time and opposition to a deal which would have helped British media," the source said. They further described the support for investors looking to put money into the UK as "deeply disappointing."
Uncertain Future for a Media Institution
The collapse of this acquisition leaves The Telegraph seeking a new buyer, creating a period of significant uncertainty for its employees and the wider UK media landscape. The newspaper, a stalwart of British journalism, now faces an unpredictable chapter as the search for a suitable purchaser begins anew. This failed deal underscores the challenging environment for major investments in the UK media sector.
