/ 6 March 2003

Johnnic abandons Johncom sale plans

Johnnic Holdings announced on Thursday it had abandoned plans to sell off its media and entertainment arm, Johnnic Communications (Johncom).

”… following work undertaken by its corporate advisers, a transaction involving a possible disposal of Johnnic’s shareholding in Johncom is not currently feasible,” Johnnic said in a statement.

The Johnnic board would, however, continue to look at ”ways of unlocking shareholder value”.

Earlier this year, Johnnic indicated it was considering disposing of Johncom and a number of potential buyers emerged when the reports of the possible sale first hit the market.

Johncom is the owner of such assets as the Nu-Metro cinemas, the Sunday Times newspaper, a 50% share in Business Day and the Financial Mail and 35% of publishing group Caxton. – Sapa