Independent looks to grow

THE Independent Newspaper group is seeking to expand its operations in Australia and Asia, either on its own are as part of a joint venture, according to its chief executive, Mr Liam "Healy. The group, which earlier this year took a 15 per cent "stake in New Zealand's largest commercial radio operator, Radio New Zealand Commercial, would pursue any "suitable" opportunities, particularly in the electronic media, he said. It would also continue to expand its core publishing and printing business.