When the Chicago Sun-Times inked an agreement with the Chicago Tribune to print and distribute its newspapers, the two companies went from being bitter rivals to business partners as well.

Nearly two years into the long-term printing deal, which, coupled with an earlier distribution deal, pays the Tribune about $70 million per year, the relationship appears strained.

According to sources, the Sun-Times has been late in making monthly payments, leading the Tribune to charge penalties and ratchet up the pressure.
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Both the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times have faced significant headwinds as advertisers and readers shift from print to the Internet.