Consumers switch suppliers for cheaper energy bills

Scripps owns a range of newspapers and TV stations and syndicates cartoon characters such as Peanuts and Dilbert.

It will combine uSwitch.com and its own Shopzilla price comparison site within a new interactive media division.

uSwitch.com compares prices on utility and telecoms bills and financial services and is expected to make a profit of �6m to �9m this year.

Earlier this year, uSwitch said it was looking to sell itself or list its shares on the stock exchange, with an estimated value of just over �100m.

The company was owned by private investors, including Lord Milford Haven, cousin of the Queen, and its employees.

uSwitch.com does not charge its users for accessing the site, but gets a fee from the supplier if the consumer chooses to change providers.