Tribune calls Gannett ‘erratic,’ but still reviewing purchase offer

NEW YORK – Tribune Publishing said Tuesday in a letter that USA Today owner Gannett was “erratic” and “unreliable” as the two newspaper companies tried to discuss a possible tie-up.

Nonetheless, Tribune said it is still considering the $388 million takeover bid from Gannett.

Tribune’s letter comes a day after Gannett made public its offer to buy the owner of the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Gannett Co. said Monday that Tribune refused to have meaningful discussions about a deal.

In its letter Tuesday, Tribune said Gannett executives canceled a meeting without reason and once asked it to make a decision about the proposal within 90 minutes.

Tribune Publishing Co. said it is currently reviewing the deal with its advisers.

Gannett did not immediately respond to a request for comment.