Swiss publishers Edipresse and Tamedia announced they will implement a "strategic rapprochement," followthemedia.com reported. The first phase of the strategy consists of Tamedia buying 49.9 percent of Edipresse Swiss holdings, followed by 0.2% more in the coming years.

The move is in keeping with Tamedia's recent trend of buying various media companies, extending its reach into the radio and online industry.

The acquisition is also intended to save money and eliminate competition between the two publishers, who both market a free newspaper in the francophone region of Switzerland. Altogether 20 jobs are expected to be cut from staff in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, as both agree only one free newspaper can survive there after the eventual merger.

The union leaves Switzerland with just three major media groups; the public broadcaster SSR- which has a virtual television monopoly, along with the newspaper publishers Ringier and Tamedia.