weekly Current Values, founded in 1966 by Raymond Bourgine, is preparing to write a new chapter in its history. After a decade under the direction of the Franco-Lebanese Safa family, the magazine will be sold to a trio of French entrepreneurs. This transaction marks a strategic turning point for the conservative French weekly.
The death of Iskandar Safa opened the sale
Since Iskandar Safa's death in January 2024, rumors have been circulating about a possible sale of the title. The billionaire's eldest son, Akram Safa, spent several months looking for a serious buyer. According to reports from FigaroNegotiations have concluded with a group of investors made up of Benjamin La Combe, Pierre-Édouard Stérin, and the Caude family, who will invest around ten million euros to relaunch the magazine.
The trio of investors
The French investor group brings together influential players from the media and business landscape: Benjamin La Combe, former CEO of the group Le Figaro, recognized for his experience in the print media. Pierre-Édouard Stérin, founder of the Smartbox group, a patron of conservative media projects, and already an investor in online media such as Neo and Factuel. The Caude family, owner of the Caude Communication press agency, active in the media sector.
Together, they plan to strengthen the visibility and influence of Valeurs Actuelles, while developing new editorial initiatives.
Transfer process and timeline
The proposed sale was presented at a strategic council meeting on Thursday evening and then announced to staff representatives this Friday morning at an extraordinary CSE meeting. The transaction is expected to be finalized by early November 2025.
Benjamin La Combe said: "We are very pleased with the trust placed in us by the Safa family. Valeurs Actuelles is a strong brand, a committed media outlet, and an important voice in the French media landscape."
What editorial line?
Under this new leadership, Current Values could see its editorial direction and development strategy evolve. Pierre-Édouard Stérin, in particular, is seeking to strengthen his influence in the French media landscape, notably through the acquisition of online media and the creation of a network of cultural bookstores.
This acquisition marks an important step for the weekly, which could benefit from new investments and a modernization of its economic model while maintaining its distinctive voice in the French public debate.
What should we quickly remember?
The weekly Valeurs Actuelles, founded in 1966 by Raymond Bourgine, is preparing to write a new chapter in its history. After a decade under the direction
