Mourne Observer sold for an undisclosed sum to the Spectator Group

The Mourne Observer, the largest selling weekly newspaper in County Down, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to the Spectator Group, owners of the Bangor Spectator and Newtownards Chronicle.

Founded in the late 1940s, the Mourne Observer remained a family-owned business for more than 60 years, with David Hawthorne taking up the reins as editor during the 1980s. Having decided that he would like to retire, David made the decision to put the business up for sale.

HNH provided advice to the shareholders throughout the process; partner Wayne Horwood commented “as with the Mourne Observer, the Spectator Group is also a family-run business, with a similar ethos to that fostered by the Hawthorne family. The transaction, as well as facilitating the retirement of David and Carole Hawthorne, will allow for a smooth transition to the new owners and provide job security for the staff”