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Potential JPIMedia bidder admits interest in national broadsheet

David MontgomeryA potential bidder for JPIMedia is also weighing up a possible offer for the Daily Telegraph, it has been revealed.

The Financial Times has reported David Montgomery’s takeover vehicle National World may make an approach for the Telegraph Media Group should current owners the Barclay brothers offload the titles.

It was previously claimed the ex-Local World chief executive, pictured, was set to launch a “relentless pursuit” of JPIMedia after it was put up for sale and, according to the FT’s latest story, the company has “expressed an interest” in the publisher’s regional titles.

Last month The Guardian reported Daily Mail owner DMGT was the leading bidder for JPIMedia’s national daily the i, while the FT has reiterated its previous assertion that Reach plc is the frontrunner to buy the company’s regional newspapers in a deal worth around £50m.

Discussing a possible Telegraph bid, David told the FT: “Of course we are interested.”

But he added it was “far too early to make an estimate on what the offer might be”.

The Telegraph declined to comment when approached by the FT.

Reach first confirmed its interest in JPIMedia in July, saying it was in the “early stages” of discussions to buy part of the company.

Since then it has declined to comment on further speculation. while JPIMedia says it is not commenting on the ongoing sale process.