Britain's Competition Commission has today approved the acquisition of 13 Independent News and Media UK titles in the Greater London area by Newsquest, but blocked the transfer of eight others.
It said the eight titles whose acquisition is being blocked are among a list of 10 where the deal may be expected to cause higher local advertising rates, lower discounts or reduced service.
However, two of these 10 titles, the Hornsey Journaland the North London Weekly Herald, would not be viable unless their sale were approved along with that of the Islington Gazette, which is on the approved list, it said.
Competition Minister Mr Gerry Sutcliffe said he has not yet decided on the future of these two titles, pending further talks with Newsquest and Independent News and Media as well as comment from interested parties.
The other titles which have been approved for sale are the Ilford and Redbridge Weekly Post, the Romford & Havering Weekly Post, the East London Advertiser, the Barking and Dagenham Post, the Hackney Gazette and North London Advertiser, the Stratford and Newham Express, the Wembley Chronicle, the Willesden Chronicle, the Hammersmith Times, the Kensington Times, the Paddington Times, and the Westminster Times.
Those rejected are the Bromley and Beckenham Express, the Bromley Times, the Bexley & Eltham Express, the Bexley Times, the Dartford & Swanley Express, the Dartford Times, the Gravesend & District Express, and the Gravesend Reporter.