Ryan Stokes will represent the Stokes family on the board, reflecting their 20% stake via SGH, an industrials conglomerate.

The newly formed company will own 122 TV stations, 104 radio stations, and newspapers across Western Australia, with estimated annual revenue near $1.96 billion and operating profit around $233 million.

Southern Cross owns the Triple M and Hit networks, while Seven West controls The West Australian and the Seven Network, which holds AFL and cricket rights.

Under the deal, Seven West shareholders would receive 0.1552 Southern Cross shares per SWM share, yielding a split of about 49.9% for current SWM holders and 50.1% for Southern Cross holders in the merged group.

The scheme remains contingent on NSW Supreme Court approval at a hearing scheduled for the near term.

Seven West Media shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger with Southern Cross Media, with votes in favor around 99% under a scheme of arrangement, and the deal valued at about $385 million is awaiting NSW Supreme Court approval before taking effect.

An ACCC deputy chair noted that regional competition remains a concern, highlighting ongoing digital and local advertising competition even as the merger proceeds.

The merger is framed as creating a leading national media platform spanning TV, streaming, audio, digital, and publishing, consolidating top content creators.

Post-merger leadership will see Seven West’s Jeff Howard become CEO of the combined group, while Kerry Stokes will depart as chair in favor of Heith Mackay-Cruise in late February.

Regulators indicated they would not block the deal, estimating the merged entity at about $415 million in TV, radio, and publishing assets and noting limited competition in regional markets.

If approved, Stokes will remain as chair of the combined board through February 2026.

Ownership post-merger will be roughly 50/50 in control terms, with Southern Cross effectively taking the helm and the combined entity to be renamed Southern Cross Media.