Thu Sep 19 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Google Wins EU Antitrust Appeal, Very Media Group Launches, and Tortoise Media in Talks to Buy The Observer
**Brussels, 19th September 2024:** In a major victory, Google has successfully appealed a €1.5bn (£1.26bn) antitrust fine imposed by the EU. The General Court annulled the fine, stating that the European Commission (EC) failed to consider all relevant factors in its assessment of Google’s practices. The case, launched in 2019, accused Google of imposing anti-competitive restrictions on third-party websites between 2006 and 2016. While the court accepted most of the EC’s assessment of Google’s practices, it found the EC’s reasoning regarding the duration of the contractual clauses lacking. The EC has stated it will consider its next steps, leaving open the possibility of a further appeal.
**Meanwhile, in the UK retail media landscape, The Very Group has announced the launch of Very Media Group.** This new entity, in partnership with independent retail media operator SMG, aims to become the leading choice for brands seeking to connect with Very’s four million active customers. Very Media Group boasts access to vast amounts of data, including personal, shopping, and financial information, positioning it strategically in the growing retail media market.
**Finally, Tortoise Media, a slow newsroom founded in 2019, is in talks with Guardian Media Group to acquire its sister publication, The Observer.** The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, is currently published online on The Guardian. If the deal goes through, Tortoise plans to invest over £25m in The Observer over the next five years, aiming to strengthen its editorial and commercial aspects. Tortoise intends to publish The Observer every Sunday, while also expanding its digital presence, complementing its own podcasts, newsletters, and live events.
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