Horton Media is set to buy rival Auckland printing company, Business Media Press, combining Auckland's two independent community newspaper printers, and resulting in 15 lost jobs, the National Business Review reported on Tuesday.

Mathew Horton, chief executive of Horton Media, said that the purchase would provide financial security for more than 100 independent publishers. However, Horton also added the acquisition would see the staff base reduced from 22 to 7, as the press is reduced to a night shift only.

BMP director and co-owner Reay Neben said the sale would allow the business to prioritise the group's publishing interests, according to the NBR.

Brian and Reay Neben, former owners of the press, will continue to participate as part owners of Times Newspapers Ltd. Times is also owned by Fairfax Media, which will continue to print its community papers at the BMP press. These titles include, The Howick and Pakuranga Times and The Howick and Botany Times.