UK publisher Trinity Mirror has rebuffed several approaches from conference magnate Marcus Evans about buying its flagship Mirror tabloid, a source familiar with the situation said on Thursday. Trinity Mirror has faced persistent pressure to split up its profitable regional newspapers and its national tabloids, which are struggling with long-term circulation declines.
The company denied that any talks are currently taking place, and declined further comment. A spokesman for Evans, whose privately-held conference firm has 31 offices worldwide, also declined to comment.
The source said that conversations between Trinity Mirror and a consortium led by Evans first took place last year, with several more meetings this year.
"There have been a number of discussions about which assets would be core or non-core, and at what cost," the source said. "The board was particularly disinclined to engage."