The Newspaper Guild placed ads around the country Monday seeking investors to purchase newspapers owned by Digital First Media, including the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

The company, based in New York, has not put its newspapers up for sale. But in a statement, the guild, which represents newsroom and other employees at many of the company's approximately 100 newspapers said recent actions "make it clear that investors are seeking an exit strategy."

An ad in the Star Tribune business section on Monday said, "The Pioneer Press needs an owner who cares about the community it serves and will be a responsible steward for Minnesota's oldest news organization." It suggested that prospective buyers call the guild's office in St. Anthony.

A spokesman for Digital First didn't return a call for comment.

In addition to the Pioneer Press, Digital First's large newspapers include the San Jose Mercury News, Denver Post and Salt Lake City Tribune.

Evan Ramstad