ROCKLAND – The sale of three local businesses to a Virginia-based publishing company is not expected to affect operations at the Tillson Avenue and industrial park operations.

Target Marketing of Maine Inc., Mail Services Inc. and Coastal Publications have been acquired by Trader Publishing Co. of Norfolk, Va., Reade Brower, owner and president of the companies, announced.

The companies are involved in direct mail and automotive advertising catalogs.

Trader Publishing is owned jointly by Cox Newspapers and Landmark Communications, which will operate the companies from their current locations, according to the announcement. Some 90 employees for the companies will be retained, he said.

Brower of Camden is the founder and owner of The Free Press newspaper, as well as owner of Sunshine Publications and several real estate publications, which are not part of the sale.