Lee Enterprises acquires several newspapers in South Dakota and Montana

Lee Enterprises and USA TODAY Co. have entered into strategic agreements to realign their local newspaper portfolios, effective immediately.

As part of the deal, Lee Enterprises has acquired several publications in South Dakota and Montana, including the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, the Aberdeen American News (which includes the Farm Forum), the Watertown Public Opinion, and the Great Falls Tribune. This acquisition expands Lee Enterprises' footprint in the region, where it already operates brands such as the Billings Gazette and the Rapid City Journal.

The agreement also concludes a joint venture known as TNI Partners involving the Arizona Daily Star. Under the new arrangement, USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star, adding to its existing ownership of The Arizona Republic.

Nathan Bekke, President and CEO of Lee Enterprises, stated that the company remains focused on providing trusted local news across its 193 brands. Michael Anastasi, senior vice president of local news at USA TODAY Network, noted that the transactions are a strategic decision to support the long-term success and positioning of local news organizations.