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Deal successfully completed to save Banbridge Chronicle from closure

The Banbridge Chronicle has been saved from closure after being acquired by DNG Media in Scotland
The Banbridge Chronicle has been saved from closure after being acquired by DNG Media in Scotland The Banbridge Chronicle has been saved from closure after being acquired by DNG Media in Scotland

THE directors of the Banbridge Chronicle confirmed last night that the sale of the title, first published in 1870, has been successfully completed.

New owners Bann Media Ltd will take over the publishing of the paper as from next week’s edition.

Last October the Chronicle, which currently sells more than 3,000 copies a week, revealed that it would be forced close if a buyer could not be found.

At that stage DNG Media, an independent publisher with a stable of four titles in Dumfries and Galloway, begun discussions to acquire the long-established Co Down newspaper from its owners the Hodgett family.

Yesterday Bann Media managing director Peter Laidlaw thanked Alwyn Hodgett and his fellow directors for their help in the transfer of the title.

And Peter, who also runs the group's community weeklies in South West Scotland and Argyll and Bute, said he was looking forward to the continued publication of the heritage title.

He thanked readers and advertisers for their continued support during the transition period, which had been “important and encouraging”.

He also praised long-serving editor Bryan Hooks, who led an experienced team which would look to build on the traditional strengths of the Banbridge Chronicle.