Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a prominent British figure, is reportedly weighing the sale of the family’s long-held stake in The Economist magazine. According to Bloomberg, advisors at Lazard have been engaged to explore the possibility of selling a 20% share, potentially fetching up to £400 million.
This move would mark the most significant change in ownership for the 182-year-old publication since 2015, when British education publisher Pearson divested its majority stake alongside the sale of The Financial Times. The Economist, founded in 1843, has benefited from Rothschild investment for generations.
However, the magazine has faced a decline in overall readership for at least a decade, likely prompting the family’s consideration to sell. In 2015, The Economist boasted an audience of 1.6 million, but that number has dropped to 1.2 million in 2025, mirroring figures from the early 2000s.
During this period, The Economist has increasingly adopted a left-leaning stance, often criticizing the Trump Administration. Articles with titles like “Donald Trump Is Unpopular. Why Is It So Hard To Stand Up To Him?” and “Donald Trump’s Awful Trade Policy Will Outlast Him” have become emblematic of its editorial direction.
Additionally, the magazine has taken a strong globalist position, warning of dire consequences if the current international order is disrupted by populism or trade restrictions. It continues to advocate for mass immigration to the West from developing nations, perpetuating the argument that Western economies rely on population growth driven by migration.
