newspapers  Fairfax  mergers & acquisitions  mailing and distribution 
John Fairfax holdings has completed its acquisition of the Border Morning Mail Limited (BMM), publisher of respected regional newspaper, The Border Mail, for $155m dollars. CEO of Fairfax, David Kirk, says the acquisition of The Border Morning Mail Limited (BMM) is a continuation of the growth of John Fairfax holdings. He says he welcomes the addition of the company, which he believes will continue its high standard of operation.

“Our acquisition of BMM, represents further strategic growth for Fairfax’s regional publishing businesses in Australia,” he says.

“We welcome its staff into our company, and we will work together to continue The Border Mail’s vigorous local news reporting and participation in, and commitment to, the greater Albury-Wodonga region and its citizens,” says Kirk.

In a separate transaction, Fairfax has acquired 100 per cent of the shares in two Melbourne based companies, The Independent News Pty Limited and its associate Melbourne Community Newspapers Pty Limited for a total consideration of $15.1m.

These two companies together own five weekly community publications with a combined weekly circulation of around 190, 000 copies.

Both companies have 24.5 per cent equity stake in Border Mail Printing Pty ltd (BMP), which together with the 51 per cent share in BMP previously held by BMM, lifts the Fairfax stake in BMP to 75.5 per cent.

"The acquisition of these additional publications strongly complements the existing footprint of our Fairfax Community Network around Melbourne. The printing plant is an excellent asset that will add to our printing capabilities," says Kirk.