The "Haaretz"-"TheMarker" group is considering closing down its printing house, and transferring the printing of its daily papers to the printing houses of other communications entities.
Sources inform "Globes" that Amos Schocken, the group's publisher, is in contact with the "Israel Hayom" and "Yedioth Ahronoth" dailies for a deal that would enable him to transfer printing to the printing houses owned by them.
The trend towards closing down print houses used for printed newspapers is growing and spreading throughout the world, combined with a decline in their readership and circulation and a switch to Internet editions. Many newspapers, such as French newspaper Le Mond, which recent sold the printing house it owned, continue to strengthen their print edition, along with their digital edition, but prefer to divest themselves of management and maintenance of a printing house.
Against the global trend, "Israel Hayom" owner Sheldon Adelson acquired the printing house of the "Maariv" newspaper in Bat Yam in 2013. Before that, "Israel Hayom" had been printed for years by the "Haaretz" printing house, thereby contributing millions of shekels to the latter's income every year.
No brass tacks yet
Schocken told "Globes" that he had been negotiating the sale of his printing house to "Israel Hayom," and would continue printing in its facilities. "The idea of closing down the printing house and outsourcing printing was raised in the talks," he said.
According to Schocken, the market should be consolidated into two dominant printing houses, instead of three, due to its size and economic situation.
"I can't say at this stage that this has reached the practical stage," Schocken stated. "There were talks with "Yedioth Ahronoth" and "Israel Hayom." There's no doubt that there is currently excess production capacity in this area in Israel. It's economically justified to switch to two printing houses. It's not happening, because it takes time for people to realize it and absorb the concept - this is a conservative industry."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 28, 2015
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