Catenaa, October 13, 2025- British philanthropist Lynn Forester de Rothschild plans to sell the Rothschild family’s entire 26.7% stake in The Economist Group, according to Axios.
The sale includes about 20% in voting shares and could value the British media company at up to £800 million ($1.07 billion).
Talks are reportedly underway with prospective buyers in the United States and the United Kingdom, including family offices and strategic investors. The process is being led by investment bank Lazard, with completion targeted by the end of the year, Axios reported.
Founded in 1843, The Economist remains one of the world’s most influential publications, reaching over 1.25 million subscribers globally. The company’s other major shareholder, Italy’s Agnelli family’s Exor, holds about 43.4% of the group.
If the transaction proceeds, it will mark the Rothschilds’ full exit from the publication after a long association. The last major ownership shift occurred in 2015 when Pearson sold its 50% stake, ending nearly six decades of involvement.
In its most recent annual report, The Economist posted a 2% rise in revenue to £368.5 million. It operates in 14 countries, including the United States, China, India, and the UAE.
The Rothschild family and The Economist did not comment on the reported sale.
