Johnston Press has announced that it has conditionally acquired Archant's Scottish newspaper titles for £11.2m.

The business includes eight weekly titles, including the paid-for Ellon Times & East Gordon Advertiser, the Buchan Observer and the Fraserburgh Herald, as well as the free Extra, which is distributed around Glasgow, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Paisley.

The sale is conditional on clearance from the Regulatory Authorities and on completion the titles would become part of the Johnston Newspapers (Scotland) Division.

Tim Bowdler, chief executive of Johnston Press, said: "We are delighted to have been able to reach agreement with Archant to acquire these titles.

"This is an attractive portfolio of weekly newspapers which fits well with our existing titles in their respective areas.

"We look forward to working with the Scottish Archant publishing team to build on an already successful business for the benefit of readers and advertisers in the local communities they serve."