NEWSQUEST Media Group, owners of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Citizen newspapers, has strengthened its position in the region by acquiring five new local papers.
Newsquest has bought the Bury Times and four other titles in the Bury and Prestwich area from Johnston Press for £5.75 million.
In exchange, Johnston Press has bought four Newsquest papers in the Doncaster area for £15 million. The deal is subject to the consent of the President of the Board of Trade. Mr Jim Brown, chairman and chief executive of Newsquest, said: "This is a very sensible agreement for both companies.
"In Newsquest's case, Doncaster is a successful business but isolated from the rest of our company, whereas the Bury titles will complement and enhance our Lancashire newspapers and they, in turn, will add strength to Bury.
"We are sorry to be leaving behind our talented Yorkshire staff but look forward to working with our new Bury colleagues."
Mr Fred Johnston, chairman of Johnston Press, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to reach this agreement with Newsquest which will bring advantages to readers and advertisers in both the Bury and Doncaster areas."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article