Russian businessman files documents for obtaining The Independent
LONDON. February 26. KAZINFORM. Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev has made an important step towards purchasing The Independent; Kazinform refers to Itar-Tass.
Thursday, Lebedev and the INM company that owns the British newspaper at present, filed an application for the purchase with the Office of Fair Trading.
This agency that is called upon to defend the rights of consumers in the domestic British market, as well as to supervise the observance of fair competition rules should pass its verdict on selling The Independent to the Russian business captain before April 26.
Experts say the filing of the application means Lebedev and the INM have reached an agreement of principle on the terms and form of purchase of the highly respected daily; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.