Shareholders doubt that Nine-Fairfax is negotiating with Gordon, Murdoch

Two key shareholders of Fairfax Media have expressed their opposition to its planned merger with Nine Entertainment, with one of the major backers of the two companies announcing that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp would enter the fray and disrupt the deal. Bruce Gordon, the Bermuda-based billionaire, has expressed interest in the free-market broadcaster to ensure that it retains its influence if the merger is achieved.

"I do not think all the cards," said Reece Birtles, director of investments at Martin Currie Australia, who controls a 6% stake in Fairfax and also holds shares in Nine, at the Herald .

Last week, last week, the agreement to merge with Fairfax Media, publisher of this site, was concluded under an agreement that would unite the free network to the Fairfax Newspapers The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age his interests in radio stations such as 2GB and 3AW, 60 percent of the Domain and Domain's real estate portal Stan's streaming form

"Strategically, it makes sense," said Mr. Birtles. "For the advertising platform that she creates, in terms of scale, with Domain that can make the television and digital advertising.