Italy’s La Stampa newspaper set to change hands

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italy’s La Stampa daily, one of the country’s oldest and most prominent newspapers, is set to be sold to the SAE Group under a preliminary agreement announced by GEDI Media Group.

Founded in 1867 and based in Turin, La Stampa is considered a cornerstone of Italy’s national press.

According to a statement from GEDI, the deal includes the newspaper’s related publications, digital operations, printing facilities and local advertising network as well as staff and editorial support functions.

The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of the year, pending union consultations and required legal and administrative approvals.

GEDI Media Group is controlled by Exor N.V., the investment company led by John Elkann of the influential Agnelli family.

Italian media reports indicate that GEDI has been pursuing a restructuring strategy and is looking to divest key assets, including La Stampa and La Repubblica, two of Italy’s five best-selling newspapers.

In December 2025, discussions emerged about a potential sale of the two newspapers to the Greece-based Antenna Group headed by shipping magnate Theodore Kyriakou.

The prospect sparked public debate in Italy. Exor confirmed at the time that talks had taken place regarding the sale of most of GEDI’s media holdings, including the left-leaning La Repubblica.

Exor has substantial stakes in major international brands across sectors, including the automotive giant Stellantis, football club Juventus and luxury carmaker Ferrari.

Observers say the sale of La Stampa may signal a broader shift by the Agnelli family away from direct involvement in Italian media.