Australian-based APN News&Media Ltd has acquired a licence to publish weekly magazines, New Idea and That's Life, and the monthly title, Girlfriend in New Zealand.

The licence was acquired from Pacific Magazines for an undisclosed sum and it takes effect on October 1.

APN's New Zealand Magazines division currently publishes New Zealand Woman's Weekly, the NZ Listener, Creme, Simply You and Simply You Living, and also has the media sales agency for Time magazine in New Zealand.

"Building alliances will be a key part of APN's future direction," the company said.