Nikkei and FT: Day one

Publishers begin new global partnership with unrivalled global reach

Nikkei and the Financial Times today begin their new partnership, following Nikkei’s purchase of the London-based, global news organisation, which has been owned by Pearson since 1957. The FT becomes the newest member of Nikkei Group and together the two business span all corners of the world with unrivalled reach and indispensable news, comment and analysis.

Both organisations share a strong belief in the mission and value of quality global journalism. Both have held true to their fundamental journalistic values of integrity, authority and independence during the nearly 270 years of operation between them. With the combined strengths of this partnership, Nikkei and the FT will deliver more value to their audiences, providing vital information across a range of channels, formats and international borders.

“It is our great honour to welcome the FT to the Nikkei family,” said Tsuneo Kita, Chairman and Group CEO of Nikkei Inc. “Nikkei and the FT share the same mission: to provide trustworthy, independent and insightful journalism. The FT’s trusted brand and innovative use of digital technology will be invaluable to Nikkei Group as it implements its strategy for global growth. I am fully convinced that this partnership puts us on the right trajectory to be the world’s premier business media. ”

FT Chief Executive John Ridding commented: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the FT. We come together with Nikkei in a position of strength, with more than 70 bureaux, 2,000 journalists and a shared belief in the value and importance of quality journalism. The FT has strong momentum, with the highest paid-for circulation in its 127-year history and a successful and dynamic business model. We believe the partnership with Nikkei will further drive our global expansion.”

Nikkei and the FT will join forces in a range of areas, including marketing, distribution, video, advertising, special reports, events, product and technology. The FT will spearhead the Nikkei Group’s quality English language expansion, while Nikkei will leverage the experience and expertise of the FT for the international growth of its media properties.

Both Nikkei and the FT have provided premium news, comment and analysis to a growing professional and international audience for more than a century. Nikkei’s readership includes a circulation of 2.7m daily print copies and 430,000 digital subscriptions, while the FT attracts a record-high circulation of more than 750,000 including 550,000 digital subscriptions.

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For further information, please contact:

Atsushi Kubota, Nikkei, Tokyo
+81-3-6256-7115
koho@nex.nikkei.com

Rhonda Taylor, FT, Hong Kong
+852 2905 5519
rhonda.taylor@ft.com

Kristina Eriksson
+44 207873 4961
kristina.eriksson@ft.com

Chris Chafin, FT, New York
+1-917-551-5093
christopher.chafin@ft.com

About Nikkei

Nikkei Inc. is one of the largest independent business media groups in Asia. Established in 1876 and upholding its corporate creed of being “fair and impartial”, Nikkei has consistently provided high-quality reporting on business, economic and international affairs. Group operations range from books and magazines to digital media, database services, broadcasting, economic/cultural events and other activities.

About the Financial Times

The Financial Times, one of the world’s leading business news organisations, is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. Providing essential news, comment, data and analysis for the global business community, the FT has a combined paid print and digital circulation of 750,000. Mobile is an increasingly important channel for the FT, driving almost half of total traffic.

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