The owners of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail have confirmed an interest in buying newspaper titles from the former Johnston Press.
Edinburgh-based JPI Media's titles include the Scotsman, Evening News and Scotland on Sunday.
In a statement, Reach PLC, which also owns Scottish Business Insider, said it "notes the recent media speculation and confirms that it is in the early stages of discussions in relation to acquiring certain of JPI Media's assets.
"As has been previously stated by the Company, regular consideration is given to merger and acquisition opportunities which would accelerate its strategy.
"There can be no certainty at this stage that these discussions will lead to an agreed transaction."
It said a further announcement will be made if and when appropriate. Chief financial officer and company secretary Simon Fuller is handling the negotiations on behalf of Reach.
Johnston Press was taken over by its creditors last year in a pre-pack administration deal after efforts to find a buyer for the group failed. It also owns the i newspaper, Yorkshire Post and local newspapers across Britain.
Last week, it was reported that the firm is looking sell off its newspapers.
Last year, Reach completed the £127 million acquisition of the Northern & Shell group which included the Daily Express, Daily Star and magazines such as OK!
In 2015, Reach took control of a large stable of newspapers as part of a deal which valued the Local World group at £220 million.
