The US Metro sale
The sale of the three Metro titles in Boston, Philadelphia and New York is very much on the news in the US. Mainly because Philip Anschutz’ Clarity media is one of the possible buyers. See the analysis on free-daily for more details on that possible sale.
The news was in all Boston media, going from the Phoenix website to the Boston Globe (owned by New York Times, also 49% owner of Boston Metro) and ending in free competitor Boston Now. The last paper could hardy conceal its happiness about the sale and almost declared Metro Boston dead. But, thanks to the comments on that story, the situation in Boston, including correct circulation data, was put back in the right context.
Although it might look like a desperate move by the company, selling (or even closing) operations is nothing new for Metro while the company is also holding minority stakes in other operations. Sale, in total or in part, would move Metro not out of business but more to the franchise organization it already is becoming.
Operations in Argentina, Switzerland, the UK and Poland were closed down as were weekend papers (Sweden, the Netherlands), real estate weeklies (Sweden) and local editions (Spain).
Finland was sold in total to Sanoma while also the majority of the shares in the Czech operation were sold. Both editions function now as a Metro franchise.
Also the Korean, Mexican, Russian and Croatian operations are franchises as are some Spanish editions. In Brazil and Canada Metro International is only a minority shareholder.
Metro brands in Belgium, the UK and Ireland are also part of the global network, although they are owned by other companies and do not even carry the familiar green Metro logo – Metro has only a minority stake in the Irish operation.
In Denmark Metro owns 70% while also the French and Portuguese operations are not fully owned. Metro Boston is 49% owned by the New York Times.
What we see in the US is probably not the exception but the expansion of the franchise model although disappointing sales are the most important factor. A global franchise network would mean joint advertising campaigns, using Metro’s International’s news service and franchise income when logo and brand are used.