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Pluralis

Mediahuis believes in independent journalism and strong, relevant media that make a positive contribution to our society. That is the core of what we do and what makes us a sustainable media company. This mission is also what drove Mediahuis to become one of the co-founders of the impact investment fund Pluralis. Pluralis brings together a coalition of prestigious European media companies, foundations and impact investors, at the initiative of New York based Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), King Baudouin Foundation,  Tinius Trust and Mediahuis.

In various European countries, independent news media are under increasing pressure. Pluriformity is under fire and disinformation is on the rise. Pluralis’ objective is to support plurality of news across Europe. It will invest mission-aligned capital and media expertise in independent media companies to support and strengthen investee businesses, and to help preserve the editorial independence of their news operations. Pluralis eschews any involvement with a company’s editorial decision-making.

Pluralism as an essential element of European democracy

In various European countries, independent news media are under increasing pressure. Pluriformity is under fire and disinformation is on the rise. This is the case in Central and Eastern Europe, a region that in the past decade has been characterised by a wave of ownership takeovers and where governments are trying to further tighten their grip on the media. 
Pluralis acquired a first stake of 34% in Petit Press, the secondlargest publishing company in Slovakia. The company has a broad portfolio of print and digital news brands including the national newspaper SME. A second investment by Pluralis followed in November 2021, when the fund acquired 40% of shares in leading Polish media company Gremi Media, publisher of Rzeczpospolita, one of the most important and influential newspapers in Poland.

Grounding each of our investments is the belief that citizens’ access to a plurality of news sources is fundamental for sustaining European democracy. We invest in independent media companies practising responsible high-quality journalism, regardless of editorial orientation.

Thomas Leysen - Pluralis Chairman, also Chairman of Mediahuis