Associated Newspapers has bought 60 per cent of Dubai-based Catchpole Communications FZ LLC for $7.2 million (£3.9 million).
Catchpole provides sales, circulation and management services to the United Arab Emirates English language free daily 7 Days.
Head of Associated Newspapers' free newspapers division Steve Auckland said: “We have been impressed by the management team at Catchpole and the rapid growth they have helped 7DAYS to achieve in the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East has seen a dramatic growth in publishing and the forecast is for this to continue.
"Dubai is at the centre of this economic boom – with 24 per cent of the world’s cranes there, the outlook must be good.”
7 Days launched in December 2004, and has an audited circulation of 70,908. Associated has the option to increase its investment in Catchpole over the next three years.
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