NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- With less than two weeks remaining before two Connecticut newspapers were scheduled to shut down, a buyer has stepped forward to save the papers.

The Bristol Press and New Britain Herald, which are both currently owned by Journal Register Publishing Co., were scheduled to shut their doors if a buyer wasn't found by Jan. 12.

Michael Schroeder, the owner of Central Connecticut Communications, has offered to purchase the papers. The Herald and Press reported that the sale should be complete within two weeks.

The deal also includes the purchase of three weekly papers -- the Wethersfield Post, the Newington Town Crier and the Rocky Hill Post.

Officials said the sale should be complete within the next two weeks.

Both of the newspapers date back to the late 1800s.

Journal Register also owns the New Haven Register, The Middletown Press, The Register Citizen of Torrington, 17 weekly newspapers and Connecticut Magazine.

The move will also save 100 jobs in the state.