Company registrations signal MediaWorks buyout could be in play

MediaWorks says its board isn't considering an imminent sale. (Image: NZME)

Tue, 23 Jan 2024

Speculation that financially strapped radio stations and outdoor advertising company MediaWorks could change hands moved up a gear last week after names reserved with ‘"Waka" in their titles went live at the Companies Office.However, the company says its board isn't considering a sale.Australian buyout private equity firm Anchorage Capital Partners is behind Waka TopCo Ltd, Waka HoldCo Ltd, Waka BidCo Ltd and Waka Midco Ltd.All or partSpeculation has been rife in New Zealand and Australia recently that Anchorage is intereste...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket drops after weak GDP data

Stats NZ data showed NZ's gross domestic product fell 0.9% in the June quarter.

Tom Raynel 18 Sep 2025

Policy

First residential housing fast-track consent granted

The Maitahi Village project in Nelson will supply about 374 residential units.

Gregor Thompson 18 Sep 2025

First residential housing fast-track consent granted

Economy

Dire economy opens door for 50bps cut in October

The New Zealand economy contracted 0.9% in the June quarter.

Rebecca Howard 18 Sep 2025

Dire economy opens door for 50bps cut in October

Sponsored

Future leaders start by Dreaming Big

How OnBeingBold empowers Year 13 girls at free leadership events.

OnBeingBold

Sponsored

Free AI training blitz targets 10,000 Kiwis

Workshops aim to close NZ’s AI skills gap and boost productivity – no tech skills required.

Sponsored by Lumify

More Media

Markets

NZME shareholder Jim Grenon lifts investment in media firm

NZME shareholder and director Jim Grenon has lifted his investment in the media business for the second time in recent weeks, to just under 18%.A notice to the NZX on Monday stated Grenon had lifted his shareholding from 15.963% to 17.932%, after acquiring 3.7 million shares for...

Staff reporters 16 Sep 2025