The Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, may soon change hands as its owner, the Guardian Media Group (GMG), has entered negotiations to sell it to the

online startup Tortoise Media.

GMG announced on Tuesday that it is in formal talks to sell the weekly paper to Tortoise Media, which was founded in 2019, for an undisclosed amount.

In its statement, GMG said that The Guardian, its flagship title, will remain a 24/7 online publication, with plans to expand its global reach and continue being funded by its readers.

“The Guardian's parent company has confirmed it is in negotiations with Tortoise Media regarding the potential sale of The Observer,” the statement read.

GMG emphasized that the offer from Tortoise Media was "significant enough to warrant further consideration."

Anna Bateson, GMG's chief executive, highlighted that the sale would provide a "chance to strengthen The Observer’s future with substantial investment," while allowing The Guardian to focus on its strategic goals of becoming more global, digital, and reader-supported.

Founded in 1791, The Observer has been part of GMG since 1993. Despite the potential sale, GMG reassured that The Guardian would continue to operate as a seven-day-a-week digital outlet, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations. Photo by The Observer, Wikimedia commons.