Buyout discussions between MediaNews Group and Freedom Newspapers, owner of the Orange County Register, have broken down due to a disagreement over price, The Wall Street Journal reported this morning, citing “people familiar with the matter.”

Freedom, which owns the Register as well as 100 smaller newspapers and several TV stations, is now considering the idea of selling itself in pieces.

While the Journal says the talks are over, others are speculating that the two companies will return to the negotiating table.