Communicorp to buy up eight regional radio stations in UK

Communicorp's chief executive Gervaise Slowey

Ailish O'Hora Twitter Email

February 06 2014 11:15 AM

MEDIA firm Communicorp is planning to acquire eight regional radio stations from Global Radio in the UK.

Smooth East Midlands, Smooth North West, Smooth North East, Capital Scotland, Capital South Wales, Real Radio North Wales, Real Radio Yorkshire and Real XS, are set to become part of Communicorp’s international portfolio – subject to regulatory approval.

The eight stations have 2.8 million listeners combined, according to Radio Joint Audience Research.

Communicorp Chief Executive, Gervaise Slowey, said: “We have been looking at the UK market for some time now and we are delighted to be adding these radio stations to the Communicorp Group."

Communicorp, whose owner and founder is businessman Denis O'Brien, has a range of radio stations globally. In Ireland its stations include Today FM and Newstalk.

"Each of these stations has a strong and loyal following and this move will make Communicorp the fourth largest commercial radio group, in the UK."

Lucy Gaffney, Communicorp Chairperson, added: “This acquisition will bring the total number of radio stations, under the Communicorp umbrella, to 27.

"It further reinforces Communicorp’s position as an international market leader in the commercial radio industry – with a strong presence in Ireland, Bulgaria, Latvia, Jordan and now, the UK."