Archant chief executive Adrian Jeakings, left, with KOS Media’s Paul Stannard

Leading regional press publisher Archant has bought out the independently-owned media company which publishes Kent on Sunday.

Former Trinity Mirror executive Paul Stannard launched KOS Media Publishing in 2002, but sold a minority interest in the company to Archant three years later.

Archant’s annual report earlier this year revealed that the Norwich-based publishing group had invested more than half a million pounds in KOS over the past two years.

Today it announced it was taking complete control of the company for an undisclosed sum.

As well as Kent on Sunday, KOS also publishes ten free newspapers in Kent under the ‘your’ brand including yourashford, yourcanterbury, yourdeal and yoursandwich, and produces internet TV station YourkentTV.

The acquisition sets up a heavyweight clash between Archant and the dominant local publisher in Kent, the family-owned KM Group

It is the second expansionary move by Archant in recent weeks, which has also moved onto Iliffe News and Media’s established Cambridge patch with the launch of Cambridge First.

Archant Chief Executive, Adrian Jeakings, said: “We are delighted to bring KOS Media fully into our portfolio of regional titles.

“This acquisition strengthens Archant’s existing presence in Kent and provides a springboard for further investment. We look forward to working with the managing director Paul Stannard and his team, to develop this vibrant business.”

Mr Stannard added: “I am delighted Archant has taken on full ownership of KoS Media.

“We will benefit from ownership by a large, well financed, independent group with ambitious plans to grow the business.”