/ 9 October 2002

Nigerian newspaper group bids for CNA

A major Nigerian newspaper group has emerged as one of the four leading bidders in the final round to take control of the 106-year-old South African Central News Agency (CNA), the group said on Wednesday here.

This Day newspaper was established about seven years ago and is one of the most influential and widely-read national dailies in Nigeria.

It is bidding for CNA and its affiliate company, Consolidated News Agency of South Africa, it said in a front page report on Wednesday.

This Day plans to begin daily publishing in South Africa in January.

The CNA is also a major distributor of newspapers, magazines, stationery and music in many southern African countries. The other bidders for CNA are Shoprite Checkers, Edcon (Edgars) and Uni Africa Investments. – Sapa