The Italian media market is undergoing a historic transformation following the announcement of the sale of the prestigious newspaper 'La Stampa'. The GEDI group, controlled by the Exor holding of the Agnelli family, finalized the transaction with the SAE Group, led by Alberto Leonardis. This decision sparked immediate opposition from the editorial staff, resulting in a strike and the absence of a print edition on March 5, 2026. The transaction ends a multi-decade era of dominance by the Turin-based family over the title.

End of the Agnelli Family Era

The Exor holding sells 'La Stampa' after over a century of influence, marking a historic retreat from traditional media.

Acquisition by the SAE Group

The new owner is the group led by Alberto Leonardis, specializing in managing regional titles.

Editorial Staff Strike and Protest

Journalists halted work on March 5, protesting the lack of job security guarantees and the unclear strategy of the buyer.

Speculation about La Repubblica

The market expects further moves by GEDI, including the possible sale of the Rome-based daily to the Antenna group.

The Italian publishing sector is experiencing fundamental changes following the GEDI group's decision to sell one of the country's most important newspapers. The title 'La Stampa', inextricably linked to Turin and Italy's industrial history, is passing into the hands of the SAE Group (Sapere Aude Editori). Alberto Leonardis, the leader of the acquiring group, thus continues his aggressive strategy of consolidating the media market. Analysts interpret this sale as the final retreat of the Exor holding, owned by the Agnelli family, from traditional daily press in favor of other business assets. The reaction from the editorial team was immediate and decisive. Cdr (Editorial Committee) announced a strike, arguing that the sale process lacked proper transparency and respect for workers' rights. As a result of the protest, on March 5, 2026, readers did not find the newspaper in kiosks. Journalists express deep concern about the future editorial line and job stability under the new management, which has so far focused mainly on smaller, local press brands. Founded in 1867 as 'Gazzetta Piemontese', the newspaper 'La Stampa' became the property of the Agnelli family in 1920, serving for over a century as the voice of Turin's industrial elite and the FIAT conglomerate.159 lat — years of La Stampa tradition ends the era under the Agnelli family's ruleParallel to the transaction concerning the Turin title, intense speculation is swirling in the market about the future of another giant – 'La Repubblica'. Unofficial reports suggest that GEDI is in advanced talks with the Antenna group regarding the sale of the Rome-based daily. Such a scenario would mean the complete dismantling of the existing balance of power in print media on the Italian Peninsula. The SAE Group declares its intention to protect the identity of 'La Stampa', but the journalistic community fears that the change of ownership will lead to drastic cost-cutting and the loss of prestige for one of Europe's most distinguished news brands. „Oggi non siamo in edicola perché difendiamo la storia e il futuro di questo giornale.” (Today we are not on the newsstands because we are defending the history and future of this newspaper.) — Cdr La Stampa The Italian press market has been grappling for years with a drastic decline in circulation, forcing traditional publishing groups to seek new business models or withdraw from the sector entirely.

Mentioned People

  • Alberto Leonardis — Entrepreneur, head of the SAE Group, new owner of the newspaper 'La Stampa'.
  • Massimo Giannini — Former editor-in-chief of 'La Stampa', mentioned in the context of personnel changes.