DAILY Echo publishing group Newsquest is poised for expansion with plans to acquire 45 titles in Greater London and Kent.

Gannett UK, Newsquest's parent company, announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire the Greater London regional publishing business of Independent News and Media.

The business publishes 45 weekly newspaper titles - 29 paid-for and 16 free - including the Post series and the Kentish Times series.

The proposed £60 million deal is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry but is hoped the sale will be completed by the end of June.

Doug McCorkindale, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Gannett, said: "These publications will complement our portfolio in London and offer significant opportunities for growth.''

Paul Davidson, pictured, chief executive of Newsquest, added: "These titles will combine superbly with our existing publishing and printing operations. We share the strong commitment of the management and employees of the Independent Regionals Business to provide quality, local newspapers to readers and advertisers in their communities."