Antony Catalano's Australian Community Media is reportedly in advanced talks with News Corp to buy a string of regional newspaper titles.
The Australian, owned by news Corp Australia, says the media group is looking at selling a portfolio of more than 100 community and regional newspapers.
The Financial Review says it's understood negotiations are at an "advanced" stage.
The daily newspaper the NT News is said to not be part of the deal but other key titles such as the Geelong Advertiser, Gold Coast Bulletin and The Weekly Times are.
Catalano, a former senior Fairfax executive, in 2019 bought regional newspapers, including the Canberra Times and the Newcastle Herald, from Nine Entertainment for $125 million.
Robert Thomson, global CEO of News Corp, last week told analysts: "A thorough reevaluation of our assets continues and a strategic review of our community and regional original newspapers in Australia is at an advanced stage."
News Corp had no comment on the reports.
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