Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev told the Wall Street Journal today that Trinity Mirror will continue to print the Independent after he buys it, meaning that the last major obstacle to the deal has been removed.
"We're ready for a deal," Mr. Lebedev told the WSJ, adding: "We haven't yet exchanged contracts."
Lebedev said INM had responded positively to his latest terms, and that the two sides "only need to agree a few details."
Independent News & Media's 12-year printing contract with Trinity Mirror to print the Independent and Independent on Sunday was the last major impediment to the deal. The two parties have been discussing a sale since last March, and entered into exclusive talks in December.
"As far as I understand most of the problems have been resolved," Mr. Lebedev said.
Earlier this week, INM said it has received other expressions of interest for the papers.
The Lebedevs have registered a new company, Independent Print Ltd, while Alexander and his son Evgeny this week visited Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.
Last week, Independent staff accepted a reduced redundancy package after pressure from managing editor Simon Kelner, who told them failure to do so could endanger the deal.
