Northern & Shell was established in December 1974, initially focusing on the publication of the music magazine International Musician and Recording World. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly, becoming a notable player in both British and global media markets with a diverse portfolio that includes newspapers, magazines, and television.
In 1993, Northern & Shell launched OK! Magazine, which became a prominent publication. The company further expanded its reach by acquiring Express Newspapers in November 2000 and Channel 5 in July 2010, followed by The Health Lottery in February 2011. Additionally, Northern & Shell holds a stake in YouView.
In 2014, Northern & Shell sold Channel 5 and divested its publishing assets in 2018. Despite these changes, the company continues to operate The Health Lottery and is committed to maintaining high standards across all its products and services, aiming to serve as a benchmark of excellence for its customers and business partners.
