Johnston Press and Trinity Mirror are to decide whether to get the Competition Commission to rule on their proposed transfer of eight free weekly titles.

Trinity Mirror wants to sell the Peterborough Herald & Post, the Northampton Herald & Post, the Derby Trader and five other free newspapers in those areas, to Johnston for £16.1m.

But Competition Minister Melanie Johnson will not give her consent to the proposed transaction without a reference to the Competition Commission.

The Boards of Johnston and Trinity Mirror plc are considering whether to request such a reference.

If the move gets approval the titles will be incorporated as appropriate into the North, South and East Midlands Divisions of Johnston Press.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]