Register Either Close or Extremely Close to Being Bought by Union-Tribune Publisher

The Orange County Register is either extremely close or not-yet extremely close to being acquired by the publisher of the San Diego Union-Tribune, according to published reports.

The Santa Ana daily has been on the block for years, even before its owner, Freedom Communications of Irvine, declared bankruptcy and recently emerged from same.

John Lynch, publisher of the Union-Tribune, said during a Lions Club speech Wednesday that his company is in "final talks" to buy the Register, reports the North County Times.

But Doug Manchester, the San Diego paper's owner, says such talk is "premature," KPBS reporter Joanne Faryon tweeted.

Freedom isn't squawking.

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