"Hollick has said he is interested in exhibitions, business magazines, television and financial data services," one said. "There isn't really room on that list for more regional newspapers."The two main bids on the table for Westminster Press, which sources close to the talks say are similar, value the titles at less than pounds 300m, although the headline figure is difficult to establish because of the structure of the offers.The bidders are believed to be concerned that the titles, which are on track to make pounds 35m this year, could be far less profitable in the future unless significant capital investment is made. One source said last night that United remained interested in buying Blenheim, the exhibitions company, but that those talks had been "put on the back burner".Media analysts predicted last night that United would stay away from the Westminister Press auction. Lazard also hopes to entice a financial buyer to join a consortium.However, United has thus far resisted Lazard's approaches, insiders said last night, and will only look at the option seriously when Lord Hollick, its chief executive, returns from holiday.

The latter two of these are believed to have already made bids for part of the group. John Makinson, the Pearson executive overseeing the sale, and Lazard Brothers, which is running the auction for the collection of 60 regional newspaper titles, are reliably believed to be canvassing both trade and financial buyers, hoping to create a consortium able to bid more than pounds 300m for the titles. Attention has focused on United News & Media, Trinity and Northcliffe, the regional newspaper arm of Daily Mail & General Trust. "Until such time as milk costs reflect the true free market value of supply and demand, milk prices will remain artificially high to the detriment of users and consumers alike," he said. He added that the company was awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the Office of Fair Trading with interest. Reporting that trading was in line with expectations, Mr Martin said Unigate would continue to look for opportunities to expand its fresh food and distribution businesses..