Freedom Comunications has signed a deal with the two equity firms that represent Hoiles family descendants and other shareholders. The Wall Street Journal says it has already been approved by the board, but needs a family vote. It appears to mean no major change at the Register in Orange County, and comes the same day the L.A. Times reports that Dean Singleton (penny-pinching owner of the Daily News, Press Telegram and other local papers) ) and Gannett had teamed up to make the highest cash offer. Now that could have gotten interesting.