STEPHEN Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, yesterday agreed clearance for Newsquest Media Group (Gannett), owners of The Citizen titles, to go ahead with their bid for Regional Independent Media Holdings Ltd (RIM). Johnston Press plc and the Guardian Media Group plc were also given the all clear to pursue their interests.
RIM titles include the Blackpool Gazette, the Lancashire Evening Post, the Blackpool and Preston Reporters and other newspapers in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Mr Byers announced that in accordance with the Competition Commission's advice he was consenting to each of the proposed transfers.
He said that he accepted the unanimous conclusion of the Competition Commission that the transfer of the RIM titles to Newsquest, Johnston or GMG may be expected not to operate against the public interest.
Jim Brown, Executive Chairman of Newsquest, said: "I am delighted the Secretary of State has cleared our bid."
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