of digital assets.

It will be called Nine, with Fairfax ceasing to exist, drawing the curtain on a venerable brand that has been an Australian staple for more than 170 years.

It is the first deal under a controversial new media ownership law passed in Australia last September which removed restrictions -- in place to protect diversity -- that prevented companies from owning newspapers, radio and television stations in the same city.

Major players in the market had long pressed for change, arguing the rules were outdated and did not account for digital media platforms and new publishers like Google and Facebook and video streaming giants such as Netflix.

Like its international peers, Fairfax has had its profits squeezed as advertising and circulation slump in the digital age, and it has beenBattlefield tours: Mark the centenary of Messines and Arras

30 March 2017

One century on to the day, stand on the very ground where thousands fought and fell on the Western Front

By Richard Roberts

Last year marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. That infamous offensive saw some of the bloodiest fighting in history, but the combat continued. The inconclusive Battle of Arras in April and May 1917 was followed by gains for the Allies at the explosive Battle of Messines in June. This spring and summer gives you the chance to mark the 100th anniversary of these conflicts on a battlefield tour.

These anniversaries are always a time to reflect, but they also present an opportunity to pay your respects in person, whether you’re a veteran or want to