The Telegraph Group is considering exercising its right to buy the 50% stake in West Ferry Printers bought by Northern & Shell in its takeover of Express Newspapers last week.
If the move goes ahead it would strip N&S of the most profitable element of Express. Last year the Docklands print site turned in a profit of 6.9m, which was shared by joint owners Express and Telegraph.
The Telegraph sold 50% of West Ferry to the Express a number of years ago but retained the right to buy it back in the event of a change of ownership.
Telegraph managing director Jeremy Deedes was unavailable to comment on the likelihood of a buyback, but an inside source was quoted in a report in The Guardian this week saying that it was "safe to assume" the deal would go ahead.
The Guardian is printed at West Ferry along with other national newspapers including The Express and Daily Telegraph.
N&S bought Express Newspapers in a 125m deal last week. It is understood that owner Richard Desmond has not yet been in touch with Telegraph chiefs to discuss the plans for its West Ferry stake.
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this Jo, and PrintWeek!
Please feel free to get in touch with the Howden Print Team to arrange your own Free of Charge Cyber Micro-Penetration Test to help..."
"I never quite understand the statements such as "achieved such a positive outcome for this well-established business".
The established business unfortunately failed and no longer exists, a..."
"Genuinely sorry to read this."
Up next...

Protocols being strengthened
Software Circle hit by suspected payment fraud

'Precision and reliability'
EBB sets up new publishing wing

Continued investment
Bakers ups BakPac capacity with double Galaxy Packtech install

"Committed to building a stronger Stora Enso"