Gedi Group agrees to sell Italian daily La Stampa to SAE

Wednesday 04 March 2026 - 14:41

Italy’s media landscape is set for a significant shift as the Gedi Gruppo Editoriale has signed a preliminary agreement to sell the national daily La Stampa to the media group SAE. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and completion of contractual procedures.

The deal forms part of a broader restructuring involving the potential sale of Gedi by businessman John Elkann, heir to the Agnelli family and head of the holding company Exor, which controls the publishing group. Elkann had previously indicated that he was engaged in advanced discussions regarding the future ownership of Gedi’s media assets.

According to a joint statement released by both publishers, the sale of La Stampa includes associated titles, digital operations, printing facilities, local advertising networks, and editorial support services, as well as the transfer of staff. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The statement emphasized that the objective of the agreement is to safeguard the newspaper’s historic identity, maintain its editorial independence, and preserve its strong local roots, particularly in Turin, where it was founded in the 19th century.

Gedi remains one of Italy’s leading publishing groups, notably owning the national daily La Repubblica along with several digital platforms and radio stations. However, industry observers note that consolidation pressures and evolving market dynamics have prompted major media companies across Europe to reconsider their portfolios.

Earlier announcements concerning potential ownership changes within Gedi sparked concern among journalists, leading to strike actions at both La Repubblica and La Stampa. Media unions have stressed the importance of protecting newsroom autonomy and employment stability during the transition.

SAE, which already operates several regional Italian newspapers, has presented itself as a communications company active at the national level. The acquisition of La Stampa would significantly strengthen its presence in the Italian press sector at a time when traditional newspapers continue to adapt to digital transformation and shifting readership habits.