Italy’s media sector is entering a new phase as the historic daily newspaper La Stampa moves to a new owner. The GEDI publishing group has signed a preliminary agreement to sell the Turin-based newspaper to the SAE Group led by Italian entrepreneur Alberto Leonardis.
The deal represents the end of more than a century of ownership linked to the Agnelli family, whose involvement with the paper dates back to 1926.
Founded in 1867 and headquartered in Turin, La Stampa is one of Italy’s most influential newspapers. Over the decades it has become a major national voice in politics, culture, and international affairs. The publication has long been part of GEDI, the media group controlled by the Agnelli–Elkann family through the investment company Exor.
Under the agreement, SAE will acquire not only the newspaper itself but also a broad range of related operations. These include digital publishing activities, printing facilities, local advertising sales networks, and several editorial support functions. The goal is to ensure continuity for the newspaper’s editorial work while strengthening its long-term economic stability. The acquisition is expected to be completed during the first half of 2026, although financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The acronym SAE stands for Sapere Aude Editori, an Italian phrase meaning “Dare to Know Publishers.” In English it can be translated as “Dare to Know Publishing Group.” The name reflects the classical Latin motto “sapere aude,” associated with intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
The SAE Group has been expanding steadily in the Italian publishing sector in recent years. Its portfolio already includes several regional newspapers such as Il Tirreno, La Nuova Sardegna, La Provincia Pavese, Gazzetta di Modena, Gazzetta di Reggio, and La Nuova Ferrara. These titles were previously part of GEDI before being acquired by SAE in earlier transactions starting in 2020.
At the center of the project is Alberto Leonardis, the businessman who founded and leads the group. Leonardis has built a reputation as a dynamic publisher focused on revitalizing local journalism and developing sustainable editorial models. Under his leadership, SAE has invested in digital transformation, regional reporting, and stronger connections between newspapers and their communities.
Industry observers often describe Leonardis as an entrepreneur who believes that quality journalism can still thrive if supported by innovative management and a clear editorial vision. His strategy has been to combine traditional print publications with digital platforms and new communication services, creating a diversified media ecosystem.
The acquisition of La Stampa represents the most significant step yet in this growth strategy. Adding a nationally respected newspaper to SAE’s portfolio strengthens the group’s position in Italy’s media market and signals its ambition to play a larger role in shaping the country’s future news industry.
For La Stampa, the transition marks the beginning of a new chapter. After more than 150 years of history and decades under the Agnelli family, the newspaper now enters a new phase with a publisher committed to expanding its reach while preserving its editorial identity.
