In what will surprise few deal watchers, Dow Jones & Co. announced in a release that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Ottaway group of community newspapers. The options for the chain, which operates eight daily and 15 weekly community papers in seven states, include possibly selling all or some of the papers, said a tersely worded statement.
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A sale of Ottaway was expected following Dow Jones' agreement to accept News Corp.'s acquisition offer, which is expected to close by the end of the year. At the time of the agreement, News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch indicated that he expected to sell off the community papers following the completion of the merger.
Among the potential buyers are GateHouse Media Inc., which like Ottaway publishes several dailies in upstate New York, and Lee Enterprises, publisher of many community papers, noted Editor & Publisher. — Matthew Wurtzel
See press release from Dow Jones
See story from Editor & Publisher
See TheDeal.com: Ottaway heads for block
