Major media companies seek merger
Zurich-based Tamedia and Edipresse, the leading media group in French-speaking Switzerland, have announced plans for a merger.
A joint statement said the alliance of two of the country’s major media groups, to be completed by 2013, aimed to create synergies and ward off foreign competition.
It is not clear how many jobs will be cut as a result. The deal is subject to approval by the Federal Competition Commission.
Tamedia is Switzerland’s fourth-largest media firm and publishes more than 20 regional and local newspapers, including the Zurich Tages-Anzeiger. It also runs radios and television stations as well as online services. It has about 1,600 employees.
Edipresse Switzerland is based in Lausanne and has a staff of 1,300. It publishes the Le Temps daily as well as other newspapers.
Edipresse’s international operations, its Bilan magazine and luxury marketing division will not be affected by the deal.
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