Newspaper publisher Reach PLC has set the wheels in motion on a 2026 consolidation of its UK print footprint, a move Panmure Liberum says is designed to match future capacity needs while locking in volume under long-term arrangements.
Under the plan, “the company plans to close the Saltire and Watford print sites during 2026 and has commenced a consultation process.” Work from Watford is expected to shift to a third-party facility at Broxbourne, while Saltire volumes are set to be split between Reach’s Oldham site and DC Thomson’s Dundee operation.
Panmure Liberum expects “a charge for the consolidation but partially offset by property sales proceeds,” and assumes the smaller footprint will lift efficiency while reducing the capex burden tied to maintaining print capacity, with more detail likely alongside Reach’s March results.
The stockbroker rates Reach as a 'buy' with a 200p price target, compared to today's market price of around 71p.