Following the announcement by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 3rd May 2002, which consented to the transfer of some of the eight free weekly newspaper titles owned by Trinity Mirror to Johnston Press, the Boards of Trinity Mirror plc and Johnston Press plc are considering whether a partial transaction can proceed and if so on what basis.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

Enquiries

Johnston Press plc:
Tim Bowdler 0131 225 3361

Buchanan Communications:
Richard Oldworth 020 7466 5000

Trinity Mirror plc:
Nick Fullagar 020 7293 3622

Finsbury :
James Leviton 020 7251 3801