Disposal

Trinity Mirror PLC
01 December 2003


                                                               1st December 2003


                TRINITY MIRROR AGREES TO SELL IRISH TITLES TO 3i

Trinity Mirror plc, the UK's largest newspaper publisher, announces today that
it has agreed terms to sell its regional newspaper businesses in Ireland to
Europe's leading venture capital group 3i for £46.3m. The consideration for the
sale is payable in cash and in addition, £0.6m of debt will be repaid to Trinity
Mirror companies.

The transaction is structured as a sale of Trinity Mirror group's shares in
Century Press and Publishing Limited and the acceptance by Trinity Mirror plc of
an offer by a newly formed company, Local Press Limited, for its shares in The
Derry Journal, Limited.

The businesses, Century Press and Publishing Limited and The Derry Journal,
Limited together publish a total of seven newspapers in Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland. These include the world's oldest continuously published
English language newspaper - The News Letter in Belfast - first published in
1737; The Derry Journal and the Donegal Democrat.

The transaction is subject to approval by the Irish Competition Authority and it
is expected the disposal will be completed by early 2004. The sale proceeds will
be exempt for corporation tax purposes and will be used to pay down debt.

Sly Bailey, Chief Executive Trinity Mirror plc said: 'These are tremendous
assets to own but for Trinity Mirror there was limited strategic fit. We were
pleased with the high level of interest in these titles, and believe we have
achieved a good price and realised value for our shareholders by their disposal.
We wish all staff who move with the titles, and their new owners every future
success.'

Robin Marshall, 3i Director said: '3i is delighted to be able to back existing
management to grow these titles. They are a talented and dynamic team who have a
significant track record of success. The economy in the North of Ireland is
experiencing strong growth, and successfully run local newspapers will
undoubtedly benefit. In addition there are many exciting opportunities to
consolidate across the Irish market, replicating what we have seen in the UK
mainland over the last ten years.'

For further information contact:-

Trinity Mirror
Vijay Vaghela                            020 7293 3000
Group Finance Director

Nick Fullagar                            020 7293 3622
Director of Corporate Communications

Finsbury
James Leviton                            020 7251 3801

3i
Ingrid Tighe                             020 7975 3020
Press Officer
[e-mail]


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