Rothschild Considers Landmark Sale Of Economist Stake Amid Media Shake Up

British philanthropist Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild is exploring the sale of a major stake in The Economist Group in what could be the most significant change to the iconic publication’s ownership in a decade. Advisers at Lazard have been enlisted to assess offers for approximately a 20 percent interest, with the potential transaction estimated to value the stake at up to £400 million.

Lady de Rothschild, whose family retains a 26.7 percent holding in The Economist Group, is currently undertaking a broader review of her investments. This reassessment may lead to divestment, drawing interest from prominent family offices, high net worth individuals, and leading figures within the media sector. The Economist’s constitution, however, prohibits any person or entity from holding a majority share, preserving its longstanding editorial independence.

The Agnelli family’s Exor remains the largest shareholder with a 43 percent stake, while the Cadbury family and Schroder banking dynasty maintain significant positions. Lady de Rothschild’s holding is structured through E L Rothschild, the investment vehicle she established alongside her late husband Sir Evelyn de Rothschild in 2003.

This potential stake sale would be the most notable since 2015, when Pearson sold the bulk of its holding to Exor amid the sale of the Financial Times. The Economist, founded in 1843 by James Wilson to advocate for free trade, now employs over 1,500 people across 26 nations and proudly upholds a reputation for editorial independence and anonymity in its reporting.

Financially, The Economist reported revenues of £369 million and profits of £48 million for the year ending March, with its subscriber base having grown by three percent to reach 1.25 million. This sale could draw fresh attention to the enduring significance and value of the globally respected weekly.

Lady de Rothschild, who previously built her wealth founding US broadband firm FirstMark Communications, is also noted for her philanthropic work, having launched the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. She is due to step down from Estee Lauder’s board this year after a 25-year tenure. Her ongoing review is reportedly in collaboration with the company to ensure a constructive outcome for all stakeholders.