The Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP) is changing hands. Talpa Network sells the ANP to social investor Chris Oomen, the former CEO of DSW.
Chris Oomen
Chris Oomen buys the ANP based on his wish to offer the news agency continuity for the long term. He says about this himself: “The ANP is part of the Dutch social heritage. Since 1934, the news agency has provided our country with an independent journalistic factual basis and therefore has an important social task. The ANP is financially healthy and there is a growth strategy for the coming years. This combination of factors is ideal for me, so I want to keep the ANP in my portfolio for the long term.”
New owner
Martijn Bennis, general manager of the ANP, is happy with the new owner. “The ANP has a great interest in an owner who has an eye for both social and financial returns. Oomen has always said that he is a shareholder, with the emphasis on the holder. I have always experienced the collaboration with Talpa Network as very pleasant. and the parties will continue the pleasant cooperation. I understand the fact that Talpa Network strives for activities that form a Network and reinforce each other.”
Talpa Network
Talpa Network bought the news agency in 2018 at the start of the network. Responding to the continuously changing market and the impact of Corona, Talpa Network has slightly shifted the emphasis in its strategy and applied more focus. As a result, the ANP no longer fits as one of the core components within the network. John de Mol, owner of Talpa Network, sees the sale as a logical step. “The ANP is a wonderful company, but the synergy with Talpa Network has diminished because of our shift in focus. I am delighted that the ANP will have an excellent new owner for the long term with Chris Oomen.”