#None #United Group #Adria News #Alpac Capital

Alpac Capital Completes Acquisition of Adria News Network

In a significant move for the media landscape in Southeast Europe, the international investment group Alpac Capital has confirmed its agreement to acquire the Adria News Network (ANN) from the United Group. This acquisition represents a strategic step towards ensuring the long-term independence and robust operation of ANN.

Background of the Deal

Alpac Capital, known for its substantial experience in operating international news media, currently holds a majority stake in Euronews, which engages over 1.5 billion viewers across more than 160 countries and broadcasts in 19 languages. This new acquisition is set to provide ANN with a robust platform supported by a parent company that aligns with its editorial guidelines, thereby securing the long-term independence of this vital news resource.

The United Group, a dominant player in telecommunications and media in Southeast Europe, is primarily owned by BC Partners, a global investment firm. In February 2026, the United Group consolidated its news resources across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia under ANN, thereby creating an independent news brand that operates with a dedicated board and is supervised by a council of experienced media professionals.

ANN’s established and award-winning brands, such as N1, Nova S, Vijesti, and Danas, collectively serve an audience of over 16 million, supported by more than 1,000 journalists and staff. In a bid to maintain editorial independence and operational stability, a governance framework was also introduced, marking a commitment to transparency and resilience.

Why Alpac Capital?

Following the establishment of ANN, the United Group received various unsolicited acquisition offers. Alpac Capital was selected based on its superior valuation and its adherence to the fundamental independence guidelines set forth since the inception of the brand. The purchase agreement includes contractual protections that ensure editorial and operational independence, delineating a clear boundary between editorial and commercial interests. Furthermore, it guarantees the retention of an independent external advisory board to uphold these standards.

As the United Group continues to execute its strategy in core EU markets, focusing on telecommunications, media, and technology sectors, the company’s spokesperson expressed that this transaction is part of a clear objective established for 2025: securing the long-term independence of its news resources.

Statements from Leadership

Alpac Capital’s leadership emphasized the importance of ANN in enhancing their media portfolio and reiterated their commitment to investing in its growth and development. The company champions fact-based, neutral journalism backed by solid operational and financial practices. These core values are not mere assertions but are reflected daily in the work of their journalists and acknowledged by credible external organizations.

The integration of ANN into Alpac Capital’s portfolio signifies a commitment to fostering independent journalism amidst the challenges of the current media landscape, especially in the context of European Union expansion and its implications for the Western Balkans.

With the agreement subject to standard regulatory approvals, the completion of the transaction is anticipated in the second half of 2026. This acquisition promises to yield significant contributions to the respective countries in which ANN operates, heralding a new chapter for independent media in the region. Following the acquisition, both Alpac Capital and the United Group are poised to build on this foundation, prioritizing editorial integrity and operational success for the future.