DallasNews Shareholders Approve Merger with Hearst, Transitioning to Private Company

DallasNews Corporation shareholders have approved a merger with Hearst, resulting in an all-cash payment of $16.50 per share. The merger will transition DallasNews from a publicly traded entity to a private company under the Hearst umbrella. DallasNews operates in the Communication Services sector, focusing on diversified media through its flagship, The Dallas Morning News.

DallasNews Corporation (Nasdaq: DALN), the holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant, has seen its shareholders approve a merger with Hearst. The special meeting of shareholders held on September 23 resulted in an overwhelming vote in favor of the merger, with 9,712,645 votes for the proposal, 536,214 against, and 434 abstentions DallasNews shareholders approve merger with Hearst Media West^[2].

The merger agreement, announced in July 2025, will see DallasNews become a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst Media West, LLC. As part of the deal, DallasNews shareholders will receive an all-cash consideration of $16.50 per share of DallasNews common stock DallasNews Corporation announces shareholder approval of Hearst merger agreement^[1]. This represents a significant premium over the company's July 9, 2025, closing price of $4.39 per share of Series A Common Stock, equating to a 276% increase DallasNews shareholders approve merger with Hearst Media West^[2].

Following the merger, DallasNews will cease to trade as a public company. The transaction is expected to close on or about September 24, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions DallasNews Corporation announces shareholder approval of Hearst merger agreement^[1].

Jeff Johnson, president of Hearst Newspapers, expressed excitement about the merger, stating, "Bringing these respected organizations into Hearst fully aligns with our commitment to strengthening trusted, high-impact local media in growing markets, and we look forward to building the future together" DallasNews Corporation announces shareholder approval of Hearst merger agreement^[1].

The merger has been endorsed by independent proxy advisory firms such as Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass, Lewis & Co., who cited the substantial premium offered by Hearst DallasNews shareholders approve merger with Hearst Media West^[2].