Scotsman Publications is to set up exclusive London and Manchester sales
forces following its purchase last week by the Barclay brothers.
The decision dashes the ambitions of the UK’s two leading regional press
sales houses, Amra and Mediaforce, both of which were believed to have
had their sights on the contracts once the Thomson Corporation sold the
titles.
The Scotsman and the other Edinburgh-based titles in the group,
including Scotland on Sunday, were previously represented to national
advertisers by Thomson Media Sales, which folded last month.
National advertising revenue on the publications accounts for an
estimated pounds 5 million.
Bert Hardy, the chief executive of European Press Holdings, through
which the Barclays made the acquisition, becomes deputy chairman of the
Scotsman Publications. Hardy stressed that the current management and
editors had the new owners’ support.
Richard Scudamore, the assistant managing director of the Scotsman, said
he hoped to appoint sales chiefs to the new operations by the end of the
month.
The London team will be based at the European’s offices in Gray’s Inn
Road.
European Press Holdings will also take overall control of the European.
Thomson’s Aberdeen titles, including the Aberdeen Press and Journal and
the Aberdeen Evening Express, could also take their advertising sales
in-house under their new owner, Northcliffe Newspapers. Northcliffe, the
regional arm of Associated Newspapers, already represents its own 60-
strong portfolio. Its latest purchase is subject to an inquiry by the
Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
