Fairfax Media says it will review the NZ High Court's dismissal of its appeal against refusal of its plans to merge its New Zealand business with NZME "when the full judgment is available".

Fairfax announced on February 5 that Stuff Limited (previously Fairfax New Zealand) and NZME would apply for leave to appeal the High Court decision upholding the New Zealand Commerce Commission's May 3, 2017, decision not to clear or authorise the proposed merger of the two businesses. The appeal was heard in October 2017.

Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood says that while the merger "brought synergies that would have sustained journalism at scale in New Zealand for many years, our New Zealand business has continued to implement its own strategy and shape a separate future.

"Our New Zealand business is embracing radical change, becoming more dynamic and cost efficient, and continuing to grow a diversified revenue mix of digital products and services to support New Zealand journalism."

He said Fairfax would continue to look for partnerships to support its growth into other new areas, as it has with ISP, energy and health insurance products. Arecent launch is Stuff Pix - a TVOD movie streaming venture for Stuff Fibre - a health insurance partnership with NIB called Done, and a retail electricity partnership called energyclubnz.

"I would like to thank all our people for working so rigorously and effectively through a lengthy period of uncertainty," he said.

However, the uncertainty is not over. Last week Fairfax announced it would close or sell 28 regional free titles. Staff and customers will wait to see which happens.