Four Midlands-based regional newspapers have been bought up by a Dublin-based newspaper group.
Alpha Publications has agreed to buy the Midland Tribune, Tullamore Tribune, Roscommon Champion and the Longford News. Alpha is the sister company of the Alpha Newspaper Group which owns 20 weekly titles in Northern Ireland.
The deal is subject to approval by the Competition Authority.
Mr Eddie McFeetors, Company Secretary of the Alpha Group, said that the company looked forward to "developing and strengthening the four titles"
The oldest of the titles, the Midland Tribune, was founded by the Fanning family in 1881. Three members of the Fanning family will continue to be involved in the production of the newspapers.
Mr Arnold Fanning, Chairman of the Midland Tribune Limited said: "We are delighted that the Midland Tribune is now part of a strong progressive independently-owned group.
"I look forward to working with Alpha Newspapers to ensure a smooth transition and handover of the titles."
The sale was managed by Merrion Corporate Finance.