Dale Vince, the activist and entrepreneur, has accused the owners of The Guardian of telling “a complete untruth” about his interest in taking control of The Observer.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Vince, who has extensive interests in green energy and owns Forest Green Rovers Football Club, said his discussions with Guardian Media Group (GMG) had been misrepresented in a statement on Friday announcing the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper was being sold to Tortoise Media.
GMG and its owner, the Scott Trust, indicated they had received no credible alternative bids for The Observer and that Mr Vince had said he would be interested in buying it only if there was a problem concluding the deal with Tortoise Media.
On Friday afternoon, however, the entrepreneur denied that suggestion.
“I don’t understand why my interest in the Observer continues to be mischaracterised by the Guardian/Scott Trust,” he said.
“Last week the board of the Trust were told I was only interested in investing in Tortoise Media – a complete untruth.
“And now staff are being told I was only interested if the Tortoise deal fell through: this is also not true.
“I had a meeting with GMG’s chair [Charles Gurassa] some weeks ago during which I explained my background, my interest, my ability and intentions.
“I was told exclusivity prevented a deeper conversation.
“I said I understood and would be here – ready, willing and able – if the deal fell through.
“It feels more than a little disingenuous to say I was only interested in the event of the deal failing – given I was told that it was the only circumstance in which GMG could talk further with me.
“[It is] a bit Catch-22 – am told I can’t bid and then it’s said I didn’t bid.”
Mr Vince’s remarks threaten to cast a further shadow over the deal announced on Friday, which will see the Scott Trust investing £5m in Tortoise Media and holding a board seat at The Observer’s new owner.
Journalists at The Guardian and Observer went on strike for two days this week in protest at the sale, which they said represented a betrayal by the Scott Trust.
Staff were understood to be holding an emergency chapel meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss the potential for further industrial action.
In its announcement, the Scott Trust said it expected to sign the deal with Tortoise Media within days.
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Sale of The Observer approved
If it completes, it will see The Observer in new ownership for the first time since the early 1990s.
Founded in 1791, it is the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world.
Its takeover by a digital media startup will underline the shifting dynamics sweeping the global news media landscape.
GMG has been contacted for further comment.