Newspaper group Trinity Mirror has agreed to take local paper publisher GMG Regional Media off the hands of Guardian Media Group (GMG) for £44.8m.

The transaction will bring 32 newspapers into the stable of Trinity, which is best known for publishing the national title the Mirror, but also has a large portfolio of regional papers.

'GMG Regional Media is a perfect strategic fit for our group,' said Trinity chief executive Sly Bailey.

'This acquisition, which includes the Manchester Evening News with its proud and rich journalistic heritage, together with the weekly titles and associated websites extends our reach across print and online and is a further step towards our strategic goal of creating a multi-media business of real scale.'

Trinity will pay £37.4m for GMG's release from a long-term print contract plus £7.4m in cash.

'GMG is mandated to secure the future of the Guardian in perpetuity, and we have a strong portfolio which has to be in the right shape to achieve that goal,' GMG chief executive Carolyn McCall said.

'The group board and the Scott Trust have made the decision to sell in light of these strategic objectives.'

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