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Scripps rejects Sinclair takeover

December 17, 2025

The EW Scripps Company board of directors has unanimously decided to reject the unsolicited acquisition proposal submitted by Sinclair in November, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Scripps that it does not already own.

The Scripps board said that “following a careful review and evaluation in consultation with its financial and legal advisors”, it determined that Sinclair’s offer of $7-per-share is not in “the best interests of the company and its shareholders”.

Kim Williams, the chair of Scripps’ board, commented: “The board is committed to acting in the best interests of all Scripps shareholders as well as the company’s employees and the many communities and audiences it serves across the United States. After careful consideration, Scripps’ board determined that Sinclair’s unsolicited acquisition proposal is not in the best interests of Scripps and its shareholders. The board nonetheless remains open to evaluating opportunities to enhance shareholder value and will continue to consider any course of action, including any acquisition proposal, that is in the best interest of all shareholders.”

In a statement, Sinclair said: “We are disappointed that despite Scripps encouraging Sinclair to make a proposal, Scripps’ board rejected the proposal without engaging. Our proposal was based on previous discussions and was responsive to concerns about Scripps’ communities, employees and shareholders. It delivers significant strategic and financial benefits for both companies and all shareholders and represents a substantial premium over both Scripps’ unaffected and current share price. We call on Scripps to engage with us regarding our proposal. We believe Scripps’ shareholders deserve a full and fair evaluation of this opportunity.”

 

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