Desmonds Northern & Shell (N&S) and the Telegraph Group jointly own the Docklands-based newspaper printer and any change in ownership would trigger an agreement to give N&S the right to purchase.
Press Holdings International has offered Conrad Black 260m for Hollinger, which would give the Barclay Brothers 73% of the voting rights and 30% capital of Hollinger International. The board of Hollinger, which has started a 111m lawsuit against Black in the US, is reportedly currently considering its position.
A spokesman for N&S said that Desmond was keeping a keen eye on developments, but would not say if he intended to exercise his right to buy should the Telegraph Group change hands.
Telegraph tried to buy West Ferry Printers outright following United News and Medias sale of Express Newspapers to N&S in November 2000. This ended in a protracted legal battle between the Telegraph and N&S about how the value of the plant was calculated.
Story by John Davies
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Utilities, paper and ink but probably not transport, couriers, finisher’s for example"
"Bound to be, most likely those not key suppliers along with HMRC"
"And now watch for those reversion charges to come in thick and fast, for the slightest deviation from the mailing specification 😉😂"
Up next...
Expected to complete Q1 2025
RRD to acquire Williams Lea
Launched earlier this year
Format Graphics in world-first Agfa Jeti Bronco install
No joy finding strategic partner
Expansion fuelled CB Printforce UK collapse
Anticipated to close Q1 2025