/ 30 March 1999

O’REILLY WANTS IT ALL

IRISH media magnate Tony O’Reilly’s Irish-based Independent Newspapers has made an irrevocable offer to buy out minorities in South Africa’s Independent Group, SABC radio news reports. The Irish company is offering shareholders R26,50 a share and a dividend of 80 cents. Independent Group chief executive Ivan Fallon said the buy-out will enhance Independent Newspapers’ investment in South Africa. Completion of the deal will see the Independent Group delisting from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange — the third newspaper group to be delisted after Times Media Limited and Perskor. A general meeting of shareholders will be held at 10am on Thursday April 15.