Gannett will begin talks to buy Cowles stock.

Des Moines Register & Tribune Co. said it will begin negotiations with Gannett to sell its 13.8% stake in Cowles Media. An agreement is expected to be completed by April 20, said David Kruidenier, chairman of both Des Moines Register & Tribune Co. and Cowles Media. Cowles Media is not for sale, Kruidenier said, adding that having a second large minority shareholder in addition to Washington Post Co., which owns 17%, would make a takeover more difficult.