The Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal announced March 20 that its publication has been acquired by the E.W. Scripps Company, publisher of the Kitsap Sun.

According to the KPBJ website, Scripps bought the Journal from Wet Apple Media, a Port Orchard company owned by Lary and Dee Coppola. It includes the monthy print publication, websites and mobile application.

Kitsap Sun publisher Brent Morris reported the Journal will remain a separately branded print product. The Sun, which is already printing the KPBJ, will begin operating on April 1.

“The Journal is an established, respected brand in our community,” Morris said in a statement. “As the principle news provider in the county, we intend to take it into its next evolution to increase exposure for advertisers, and to widen readership of the print product and digital content.”

The KPBJ was started by Lary Coppola in 1988 and it has a reported circulation of 7,500.

According to the KPBJ website, Coppola said he and his wife wanted to devote more attention to their magazines — West Sound Home and Garden, and Build & Remodel Kitsap. Build & Remodel is published under a contract with the Home Builders Association of Kitsap County.

KPBJ reported that advertising and production of the Journal will be handled through the Sun offices beginning in April. Morris reported the Sun will hire an editorial staff member to provide content for the publication.