The proposed takeover of regional publisher National World has been delayed pending regulatory approval by the Irish government.

National World shareholders approved the £65m deal to sell the company to Irish-based publisher Media Concierge earlier this month, with an expected completion date of 10th March.

However that date has now been put back to 30th April as a result of regulatory issues in the Irish republic.

The Dublin government’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission wants longer to consider the proposed deal, with the final decision to be made by the Irish media minister.

The takeover by Media Concierge, owned by Malcolm Denmark, was originally agreed with National World’s board on 18th December.

It will see Mr Denmark, who also owns advertising company Mediaforce, become the new proprietor of The Scotsman, the Yorkshire Post and numerous other historic regional newsbrands.

He has already given an undertaking that he does not intend to make “material job reductions in editorial or production areas” or close down local newsbrands, although there may be some job losses in back-office roles.

National World executive chairman David Montgomery, pictured, wrote to staff today to update them on the latest developments.

He said: “I am writing to inform you of a delay in the process relating to Media Concierge’s planned acquisition of National Word Plc.

“In the Republic of Ireland there is a mandatory review of all competition related matters as part of any media acquisition or merger impacting the north or south of Ireland.

“There was an expectation on behalf of Media Concierge that the transaction would be fast tracked by the Dublin based Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) authorities.

“That has proven not to be the case with the CCPC requesting a more detailed long form submission by Media Concierge. This will result in the court sanction date of March 6th being postponed while the review takes place.

“Following the adjudication by the CCPC the case is then referred to the “Minister of State for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport” for their assessment on the media merger.

“While there is no definite new timetable it is expected that the delay will be at least six weeks. I would like to thank you for your patience and continued hard work during these times of inevitable distraction.”

In a Stock Exchange announcement, National World said: “The timetable for implementation of the acquisition has been impacted by a delay relating to the consideration of the acquisition by the Republic of Ireland Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the “CCPC”).”

It said that Media Concierge’s advisers remained confident that clearance will be issued and that the Minister of Media will approve the Acquisition.