New era for Turin newspaper as Elkann’s GEDI Group finalises a preliminary sale agreement with SAE.
The GEDI Group, owned by the Agnelli-Elkann family’s holding company Exor, has agreed to sell the Italian daily La Stampa to the Sapere Aude Editori (SAE) Group.
The sale of the historic newspaper, announced in a joint statement by the companies on Wednesday, concludes weeks of intense negotiations and industry speculation regarding the future of the liberal publication.
The sale of the Turin-based newspaper, overseen by GEDI chairman John Elkann, marks a pivotal moment for the publishing house as it continues to restructure its portfolio.
In addition to the newspaper, the sale includes affiliated publications, digital activities, the press centre and the network for local advertising sales, as well as staff and editorial support activities.
Under the leadership of Alberto Leonardis, the SAE Group has been aggressively expanding its presence in the regional and national press sectors.
This acquisition adds one of Italy’s most prestigious titles to SAE’s growing stable of publications which includes La Provincia Pavese, La Nuova Sardegna, Il Tirreno, La Nuova Ferrara, Gazzetta di Modena and Gazzetta di Reggio.
Founded in 1867, La Stampa has long served as the authoritative voice of Turin and the northern Piemonte region, while maintaining a high-profile national influence.
While the financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, the transition to SAE is expected to ensure continuity at the newspaper, preserving its editorial independence and deep ties to its local community.
The transaction is expected to close within the first half of 2026.
The handover represents a shift away from the longstanding stewardship of the Agnelli-Elkann family interests, signalling a broader consolidation within the Italian publishing industry as traditional media houses adapt to evolving market demands.
Exor confirmed in December that it was in talks with Antenna, led by Greek shipping magnate Theodore Kyriakou, for the sale of most of GEDI’s media assets which include the left-leaning newspaper La Repubblica.
Photo credit: PippiLongstocking / Shutterstock.com.
