Belgian Press Conglomerates Rossel and IPM Allying
Two Belgie Media Behemoths Eyeing a Merger: Rossel and IPM
. Rumors have been swirling for weeks about a potential coupling between two heavyweight Belgian media titans — Rossel and IPM. On June 23rd, they broke the silence, announcing their intention to tie the knot. Rossel, publisher of the daily Le Soir, is set to take over IPM's print media operations, including La Libre Belgique.
. This move is a game-changer for the newsrooms of these storied adversaries, dating back to the tail-end of the 19th century.
. With a combined revenue of 646 million euros, a portfolio of 92 brands, and an array of diverse activities in both Belgium and France, Rossel will absorb IPM, who will secure a 10% stake in Rossel's stocks. However, the merger remains contingent on the nod from Belgian competition authorities.*
. François le Hodey, IPM's CEO, and his family are poised to maintain control of their group's audiovisual activities, including two radios and the news channel LN24. Moreover, le Hodey has been tapped for a seat on Rossel's board of directors.*
. Rumors of a merger started simmering in early June 2025. The motivation for the union stems from an increase in competition from digital advertising titans, the distribution of free news via RTBF, and alterations in newspaper delivery methods via Bpost.
. These market pressures have prompted the media groups to consider consolidation as a means to reinforce their competitive edge in the evolving media landscape.
. The Belgian Media Minister, Jacqueline Galant, has voiced concerns for the industry's well-being and urged the Belgian Competition Authority to vigilantly scrutinize the merger.
. It's likely that the merger will demand the green light from not just Belgian authorities but possibly other regulatory bodies as well. Anticipating changes on the European horizon, the minister strongly suggested that responses to such consolidations will eventually need a united European approach.
. As of now, the specifics of the merged group's ownership structure remain shrouded in mystery. Formal arrangements concerning ownership shares, governance, and management are still being finalized—a work in progress as the deal progresses through the regulatory approval process.
Given the increased competition from digital advertising titans and changes in newspaper delivery methods, the potential merger between Rossel and IPM could be aimed at reinforcing their competitive edge in the evolving media landscape.
In this business union, Rossel is planning to take over IPM's print media operations, which include La Libre Belgique, and releasing the details of the ownership structure will likely become clearer as the merger progresses through regulatory approval.
