The OFT has invited comments on the deal, which it is investigating to decide whether it constitutes a relevant merger situation under the provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.
If the OFT is worried about the impact of the deal on competition in the market it may refer the deal to the Competition Commission.
Johnston Press has agreed to pay £11.2m for the titles, which include the Buchan Observer, Lanarkshire Extra and the Glasgow Southside and Eastwood Extra.
In May the OFT approved Johnston Press' acquisition of Scotsman Publications, publisher of The Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News, from the Barclay brothers.
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