DUBLIN COMMUTERS will this morning get their hands on the first Metro Heraldnewspaper following a merger between two Dublin freesheets, Metroand Herald AM.

The venture is as a result of a merger between Associated Newspapers, The Irish Timesand Independent News Media, which have jointly invested in a newspaper title for the first time.

Each investor owns a one-third stake in the new company, with Metro International divesting their 10 per cent.

Managing director of Metro HeraldPaul Crosbie said the goal was to produce a quality free morning newspaper that fit the lifestyle of its urban audience.

"Combining forces allows us to offer a single, unified advertising platform for brands looking to reach young, urban consumers in the capital," Mr Crosbie said. "We look forward to establishing Metro Heraldas an effective and valuable addition to the media landscape in Ireland."

Peter Webster, the former chairman and chief executive officer of Smurfit Ireland and UK, has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the company.

The title is hand-distributed from 7am to 9.30am, Monday to Friday, within the greater Dublin area.