Northcliffe Newspapers is to sell its Bristol-based Central Press Features business to the Press Association for an undisclosed sum.

Central Press Features syndicates feature material to newspapers and magazines and is the leading UK supplier of crosswords, quizzes, puzzles, cartoons, health, motoring and similar material.

PA's decision to buy is another important step in the development of its contract publishing and syndication businesses.

Contract Publishing division managing director Phil Hall said: "The proliferation of new magazines means there is a massive growth in the feature market and PA aims to be the best supplier of features in the business.

"It will also mean we can improve the products we offer to wire customers. We are currently organising a survey to ensure we deliver precisely the material they are looking for."

Staff at Central Press Features - which will continue to operate as a separate company - will all be joining The Press Association when the acquisition is completed next week.

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