Bloomberg: Rothschild Family Considers Selling Stake in The Economist Magazine for £400m

The Rothschild family is exploring the sale of their 20% stake in The Economist magazine, with Lazard hired to advise on the potential sale of up to £400m. The sale would be the most significant change in ownership since 2015, when Pearson sold its majority stake. The Economist has seen a decline in readership over the past decade, dropping from 1.6 million to 1.2 million. The publication has also been criticized for its left-leaning and globalist ideologies.

Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a prominent businesswoman and trustee of the Eranda Rothschild Foundation, is reportedly exploring the sale of a significant minority stake in The Economist Group. This potential divestment, which could involve up to 20% of the voting shares, marks the first substantial ownership change at the 182-year-old magazine in over a decade Lynn Forester de Rothschild explores sale of Economist ...^[1].

The sale process is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with an estimated value ranging from £200 million to £400 million. Lazard Inc. has been engaged as an advisor for the transaction, which is anticipated to attract interest from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and strategic investors seeking opportunities in the premium media sector Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group^[2].

The Economist, known for its influential readership among political and business leaders, has seen a decline in readership over the past decade, dropping from 1.6 million to 1.2 million subscribers. The publication has also faced criticism for its left-leaning and globalist ideologies Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group^[2].

The Economist Group, which includes the Economist magazine, website, app, and podcasts, as well as the Economist Intelligence Unit and Economist Impact, reported revenue of £369 million and operating profit of about £48 million in the year to March 31, 2025 Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group^[2].

Forester de Rothschild is conducting this strategic review as part of a broader long-term restructuring of her investment portfolio. The sale would be the most significant change in ownership since 2015, when Pearson Plc sold most of its half stake to Italy’s Agnelli family, which became the largest investor with a 43.4% stake held by its Exor NV investment firm Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group^[2].

The potential sale of The Economist stake comes at a time when the publication is facing increasing competition from digital media outlets and other news sources. The Rothschild family, which controls 26.7% of the issued share capital overall, is stepping back from its role in the magazine's ownership, potentially signaling a shift in the publication's governance and strategic direction Forester de Rothschild Said to Explore Sale of Stake in The Economist Group^[2].

The sale process is expected to attract a range of potential buyers, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and strategic investors looking to gain a foothold in the premium media sector. The transaction is likely to be closely watched by investors and industry observers, who will be interested in seeing how the new ownership structure will impact The Economist's editorial independence and business strategy.