Seven West Media and Southern Cross Media announce merger plan

Seven West Media (SWM) has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with Southern Cross Media (SCA) to merge the two companies, creating one of Australia’s largest integrated media groups.

The proposed deal would bring together complementary assets across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing, with the aim of building stronger national scale in the key 25–54 demographic.

Under the merger terms, SWM shareholders will receive 0.1552 SCA shares for each SWM share, resulting in an ownership split of 49.9% (SWM) and 50.1% (SCA).

The combined business is expected to deliver $25–30 million in annual cost synergies within two years, with further revenue opportunities identified through enhanced audience reach and advertising scale.

Leadership of the merged entity would see SWM’s Jeff Howard appointed Managing Director and CEO, with SCA’s John Kelly as Group MD, Audio. Kerry Stokes AC will chair the board until February 2026, when Heith Mackay-Cruise will take over.

The deal remains subject to shareholder approval, court processes, and regulatory clearances from ACMA, ACCC and ASX. If approved, the merger is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2026.

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