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What has Become of News of the World

March 9th 2012

It may come as no surprise that earlier this year, News of the World, an English tabloid paper was shut down due to allegations of phone hacking by the company's reporters. It is alleged that they hacked celebrities, service families and even information on the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. Swindon based company Office Clearance and Wholesale Ltd won the contract to clear the offices and with that they found Rupert Murdoch's old office furniture.

They found a maple executive desk, sideboard, filing cabinet, coffee table and meeting tables. Not only did they find this but among the other pieces of furniture, a pitch fork found in James Murdoch's office (son of Rupert)as well as cantilever chairs with the News of the World logo engraved into them. Even though the office furniture has not yet gone on sale, there has already been interest from buyers across the globe and it is hoping to fetch a high price. Managing director of the clearance firm Paul Smith said "Imagine my excitement at being asked to tender to clear the old offices for News International in Wapping and finding the suite of furniture once owned by the man himself.

What sort of decisions were made at this desk? Companies bought and sold, people exposed for wrongdoing..." The office furniture has been advertised for £20,000 however with all of the interest; the suggestion is that this figure might increase as the furniture makes its way onto eBay. The five pieces together probably cost more than £50,000 new as the desk itself is bespoke with cherry wood veneer with sabre legs, birds eye maple and a black inlay round the top. All in all some very pricey office furniture and it will be interesting to see how much it will go for.

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