Mecom has declared its offer for Dutch newspaper group Wegener unconditional after the Dutch competition authorities (NMa) yesterday approved the acquisition, subject to certain conditions. Mecom had amassed 86,6 per cent of the shares at the end of the tender period 19 October, with Government of Owners (GO) still refusing to sell its 13,4 per cent stake in Wegener. However, Mecom-boss David Montgomery has decided not to declare a subsequent tender period.

The acquisition will make Mecom a larger newspaper business than Britain's Trinity Mirror and Norway's Schibsted.