Is AP selling its German subsidiary to DDP?
A shake-up of the highly competitive news agency market in Germany appears to be on the horizon. The U.S. news agency Associated Press (AP) is discussing the sale of its German subsidiary.
In Germany, a reorganization of the highly competitive news agency market is on the horizon. The US agency Associated Press (AP) is talking about selling its German subsidiary, as reported by SDA. Talks at owner level have been going on for weeks, the German editor-in-chief confirmed on Thursday. At present, he had no information that the talks were about to be concluded. The Berlin news agency DDP is said to be interested in buying AP, as industry insiders suspect. No comment could be obtained from DDP. A person familiar with the negotiations is said to have told Reuters that it is not yet clear whether and when an agreement can be reached with the American parent company. The negotiations are making good progress, however.
DDP employs 140 journalists on a permanent basis. The company had a turnover of just under 12 million euros in 2008. AP employs around 80 editors in Germany. Worldwide there are just under 4,000.
DDP employs 140 journalists on a permanent basis. The company had a turnover of just under 12 million euros in 2008. AP employs around 80 editors in Germany. Worldwide there are just under 4,000.
