Johnston sells Writers News to Warners

by Claire Billings,, Brand Republic 19-Dec-02, 11:00

LONDON - Regional newspaper group Johnston Press is selling off the Writers News business it bought as part of its acquisition of Regional Independent Media in April to Warners Group Publications.

Warners will add the Writers News business, which includes Writers News magazine and Writing Magazine, to the portfolio of magazines it already publishes including Teddy Bear Scene, British Railway Modelling and Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly.

Johnston Press acquired Regional Independent Media, publisher of the Yorkshire Post and other regional papers, for £560m earlier this year.

RIM was formed by venture capitalist Candover out of the newspaper assets it acquired from United News & Media, now United Business Media, for £360m in 1998. The group also owns the Sheffield Star, the Doncaster Star and Lancashire Evening News.

The Writers News business also adds a book club and a home study unit to Warner's assets.

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