German Media Giant Axel Springer Blocks Daily Mail's Telegraph Takeover

A German publisher has made a surprise last-minute bid for The Telegraph, ending the Daily Mail owner's hopes of buying the British newspaper. Axel Springer, Europe's largest media company, has submitted a blockbuster offer. This move shatters the three-year ambition of Lord Rothermere, the Daily Mail's proprietor, to add The Telegraph to his family's media empire. The sale process has been long and difficult. It has seen failed bids from international investors, internal rebellions, and even changes to UK law. The bid raises immediate questions. Analysts ask why Axel Springer did not bid sooner. They also wonder what Brexit-supporting Telegraph readers will think of a German owner. The future of the historic British newspaper now rests with this new, unexpected bidder.