News UK & Ireland Ltd is pleased to confirm that subject to regulatory approval, an agreement has been reached with Smurfit Kappa to acquire full ownership of the Smurfit Kappa News Press (SKNP) print business based at Kells.

News UK & Ireland already owns the Kells site, which is leased to SKNP as part of a long term printing agreement. The site prints a number of national publications including The Sun, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, The i and The FT.

A spokesperson for News UK & Ireland Ltd said "We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Smurfit Kappa for over 20 years and, with the current print contract entering its final phase, this agreement provides the opportunity for News UK & Ireland to secure its longer term printing arrangements and route to market in Ireland."