US giant Gannett has sold five more newspaper titles, this time in Arkansas and Missouri, to local publisher Phillips Media.

The company has a footprint in the states and Illinois, having bought the Quincy Herald Whig and Hannibal Courier Post earlier this year.

The latest deal, due to close on September 1, covers the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and four Missouri titles, the The Big Nickel in Joplin, the Rolla Daily News, the Kirksville Daily Express, and the NEMO Trader in La Plata.

Dirks, Van Essen & April represented Gannett, with terms not disclosed.

Phillips Media Group president Jim Holland says he believes they “have the expertise to effectively operate publications in these markets, putting out products that will be valued by the respective communities”.

He appreciated the confidence shown by Gannett in “entrusting the stewardship of these publications” to his company.

Phillips Media Group will now publish 17 publications in Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. It also operates the Nowata Printing Company in Springfield, Missouri.