Ecotricity and Forest Green owner Dale Vince has confirmed his interest in purchasing The Observer.
Vince has expressed an interest as negotiations continue with Tortoise Media to acquire the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper.
Tortoise says it has funding of £20m to invest in The Observer if ownership is transferred to it.
Vince has said he would hold the Observer in a trust to safeguard its editorial independence.
Vince said in a statement to Press Gazette: “I’m a reader and a fan of the Observer and a believer in the need for greater media plurality in Britain.
“We’ve already got too many right-wing media barons (often tax exiles) controlling what people read and hear and ultimately believe. Out of that concern I’ve expressed an interest in the sale of the Observer and discussed the situation with the GMG.
“I understand talks with Tortoise are at an advanced stage and in an exclusive period – I’ve confirmed that should there be a problem concluding that deal I would like to enter negotiations and would be interested in the idea of holding the title in a trust – as currently is the case with the Scott Trust the ultimate owner of the Observer.”
Vince’s company, green energy supplier Ecotricity, made a profit of £38.5m in the year to March 2023.
