Weak print sales sees watchdog approve Seven’s takeover of Sunday Times

Seven West Media is set to consolidate its stranglehold on traditional media in Perth after the competition watchdog approved its purchase of News Corp’s Sunday Times paper.

The deal will give Seven control of all print in the city as the company already prints the only weekday title The West Australian, in a deal worth between $12m – $15m according to The Australian.

In his statement on the decision Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims said the decline in print readership had been a big factor in allowing the sale.

“Following an extensive review, the ACCC has reached the view that the proposed acquisition is, on balance, not likely to substantially lessen competition for either consumers or advertisers,” said Sims.