Following the announcement by the Department of Trade and Industry, which stated that the Competition Minister Melanie Johnson would not give her consent to the proposed transaction without a reference to the Competition Commission, the Boards of Johnston Press PLC and Trinity Mirror plc are considering whether to request such a reference. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Enquiries:

Tim Bowdler
Johnston Press
0131 225 3361

Richard Oldworth
Buchanan Communications
020 7466 5000

Philip Graf
Trinity Mirror
020 7293 3209

Margaret Ewing
Trinity Mirror
020 7293 3227

James Leviton
Finsbury
020 7251 3801