Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, supplemented or
restated in accordance with its terms from time to time, this "Agreement"),
dated as of April 18, 2000, is between Liberty Group Publishing, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), and Green Equity Investors III, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership (the "Purchaser"). Capitalized terms used but not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Article V.

                                    RECITALS

         Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Purchaser
desires to purchase from the Corporation, and the Corporation desires to issue
and sell to the Purchaser, 524,605 shares of common stock of the Corporation,
par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $15.00 per
share, and 22,130.925 shares of Series B 10% Junior Redeemable Cumulative
Preferred Stock of the Corporation, par value $0.01 per share ("Junior Preferred
Stock"), at a purchase price of $1,000.00 per share (together, the "Shares"),
both payable as provided herein.

                                   AGREEMENTS

         In consideration of the recitals and the mutual promises, covenants and
agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.

                      AUTHORIZATION AND SALE OF THE SHARES

              1.1 Authorization. The Corporation has, prior to the date of this
Agreement, (i) caused its Certificate to be amended by filing with the Secretary
of State of Delaware a certificate of amendment in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "Certificate of Amendment") and (ii) authorized the issuance and
sale of the Shares to the Purchaser.

              1.2 Sale of the Shares to the Purchaser. Subject to the
satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement herein set forth and
in reliance upon the respective representations and warranties of the parties
set forth herein, the Corporation agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser the
Shares at the Closing (as hereinafter defined), for the purchase price per share
set forth in Section 1.3 below. All Shares to be sold to the Purchaser shall be
issued and sold to the Purchaser free and clear of all Liens, other than
restrictions pursuant to federal or state securities laws. Subject in all
respects to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
in reliance upon the respective representations and warranties of the parties
set forth herein the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Corporation the
Shares at the Closing, for the price per share set forth in Section 1.3 below.
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              1.3 Delivery of the Shares. At the Closing, the Corporation will
deliver to the Purchaser certificates, duly executed and registered in the
Purchaser's name, representing (a) the shares of Common Stock to be purchased by
the Purchaser, against payment by the Purchaser of the purchase price of $15.00
per share for the shares of Common Stock being purchased by the Purchaser, and
(b) the shares of Junior Preferred Stock to be purchased by the Purchaser,
against payment by the Purchaser of the purchase price of $1,000.00 per share
for the shares of Junior Preferred Stock being purchased by the Purchaser. The
Purchaser shall pay the purchase price for the Shares being purchased by it by
wire transfer of funds to an account designated by the Corporation.

              1.4 Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares
pursuant to this Agreement (the "Closing") will be held on April 18, 2000 at
10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) or at such other time and date as may be agreed by the
Corporation and the Purchaser, at the offices of Katten Muchin Zavis, 525 West
Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois 60661.

                                   ARTICLE II.

                             CONDITIONS TO ISSUANCE

              2.1 Closing. The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase the
Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of each of the following
conditions:

               (a) Representations and Covenants. The representations and
warranties made by the Corporation in Article III of this Agreement shall be
true and correct as of the Closing, and all covenants and agreements contained
in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Corporation prior to
the Closing shall have been performed or complied with.

               (b) Secretary's Certificate. At the Closing, the Corporation
shall have delivered to the Purchaser copies of each of the following, in each
case certified by the Secretary of the Corporation to be in full force and
effect on the date of the Closing:

                              (i) the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation, certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware as of a date not
more than ten (10) days prior to such Closing;

                              (ii) the Certificate of Amendment, certified by
the Secretary of State of Delaware;

                              (iii) the by-laws of the Corporation; and

                              (iv) resolutions of the Board of Directors and, as
necessary, the Stockholders of the Corporation, authorizing the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, including the filing of the Certificate of Amendment and the
issuance and sale of the Shares.

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               (c) Legal Investment. As of the Closing, the purchase of the
Shares by the Purchaser shall be legally permitted by all laws and regulations
to which the Purchaser and the Corporation are subject.

               (d) Qualifications. As of the Closing, all authorizations,
approvals or permits of, or filings with, any governmental authority that are
required by law in connection with the lawful sale and issuance of the Shares by
the Corporation shall have been duly obtained by the Corporation and shall be
effective on and as of the Closing, other than state "blue sky" or federal
securities filings that are permitted to be made after the Closing.

               (e) Credit Agreement. As of the Closing, the Credit Agreement
dated as of January 27, 1998 by and between the Corporation and Liberty Group
Operating, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the lenders thereto, Citicorp USA,
Inc., Citibank, N.A., BT Alex Brown Incorporated, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and
Bank of America NT & SA, as amended, shall have been amended and restated to be
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Amended Credit Agreement".

               (f) Management Services Agreement. At or prior to the Closing,
Liberty Group Operating, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Corporation, and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. ("LGP") shall
have executed and delivered the Management Services Agreements in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Management Agreement").

               (g) Master Amendment. At or prior to the Closing, the Master
Amendment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D shall have been executed and
delivered by the Corporation, the Purchaser, Green Equity Investors II, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, and each of the Management Investors (as defined
in such Master Amendment).

               (h) Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other
proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and all
documents and instruments incident to such transactions, shall be reasonably
satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall
have received at or prior to the Closing all such documents as the Purchaser
shall have reasonably requested.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CORPORATION

         The Corporation hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as
follows:

                  3.1 Organization and Standing. The Corporation is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware. The Corporation has the requisite legal and corporate
power and authority to own all of the properties owned by it, and to conduct its
business as presently being conducted. The Corporation is duly

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qualified to do business in all jurisdictions where required, except for those
jurisdictions in which the failure to be qualified to do business would not have
a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the
Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.1, the Corporation has no Subsidiaries. Each of such Subsidiaries is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization, which jurisdiction is listed on
Schedule 3.1. Each such Subsidiary has the requisite legal and corporate power
and authority to own all the properties owned by it, and to conduct its business
as presently being conducted and as proposed to be conducted by it. Each such
Subsidiary is duly qualified to do business in all jurisdictions where required,
except for those jurisdictions in which the failure to be qualified to do
business would not have a material adverse effect on the business or financial
condition of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  3.2 Corporate Power. The Corporation has all requisite legal
and corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to the issuance
and sale of the Shares.

                  3.3 Capitalization. (a) As of the Closing, the Corporation's
authorized capital stock will consist of (i) 2,655,000 shares of Common Stock,
and (ii) 21,250,000 shares of Preferred Stock of which 21,000,000 shares shall
have been designated Series A 14 3/4% Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Cumulative
Preferred Stock ("Senior Preferred Stock") and 250,000 shares shall have been
designated Junior Preferred Stock. Without giving effect to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the only shares of capital
stock issued and outstanding, reserved for issuance or committed to be issued
will be:

                  (A)      1,600,400 fully paid and non-assessable shares of
                           Common Stock;

                  (B)      2,407,782 fully paid and non-assessable shares of
                           Senior Preferred Stock;

                  (C)      59,751 fully paid and non-assessable shares of Junior
                           Preferred Stock;

                  (D)      8,000,000 shares of Senior Preferred Stock reserved
                           for issuance upon payment of dividends on the Senior
                           Preferred Stock;

                  (E)      167,249 shares of Junior Preferred Stock reserved for
                           issuance upon payment of dividends on the Junior
                           Preferred Stock; and

                  (F)      49,480 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
                           under the 1999 Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. Stock
                           Option Plan.

                  3.4 Authorization. All corporate action on the part of the
Corporation, its directors and stockholders necessary for (a) the authorization,
execution, delivery and performance by the Corporation of this Agreement, (b)
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and (c) the
authorization, issuance and delivery of the Shares, has been taken. This
Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Corporation,
enforceable against the Corporation in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited

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by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or similar laws relating to, or
affecting generally, the enforcement of creditors' rights and remedies.

                  3.5 No Violation. None of the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, the consummation of the transactions provided for herein or
contemplated hereby, and the fulfillment by the Corporation of the terms hereof,
will (with or without notice or passage of time or both) (a) conflict with or
result in a breach of any provision of the Certificate or by-laws of the
Corporation, (b) result in a default, give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration, or require any consent under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, loan, factoring
arrangement, license, agreement, lease or other instrument or obligation to
which the Corporation is a party or by which it or any of its assets may be
bound or (c) violate any law, judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree,
statute, rule or regulation of any court, administrative agency, bureau, board,
commission, office, authority, department or other governmental entity
applicable to the Corporation or any of its assets.

                  3.6 Validity of Shares. Upon issuance, the Shares will be duly
and validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and free and clear of all Liens,
other than those created by the Purchaser or pursuant to federal or state
securities laws.

                  3.7 Consents. All consents, approvals, qualifications, orders
or authorizations of, or filings with, any governmental authority, (other than
state securities or "Blue Sky" filings), required in connection with the
Corporation's valid execution, delivery or performance of (a) this Agreement,
(b) the offer, sale and issuance of the Shares, and (c) the consummation of any
other transaction contemplated on the part of the Corporation hereby have been
obtained or made.

                  3.8 Offering. Subject in part to the truth and accuracy of the
representations of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement, the offer, sale
and issuance of the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

         The Purchaser represents and warrants to the Corporation as follows:

                  4.1 Organization and Standing. The Purchaser is an entity duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of
Delaware.

                  4.2 Authorization; Power. The Purchaser has all requisite
legal power to enter into this Agreement, and to carry out and perform its
obligations under the terms of this Agreement. All action on the part of the
Purchaser necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance
by the Purchaser of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, has been taken. This Agreement is a legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in
accordance with its terms, except

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as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or
similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of creditors'
rights and remedies.

                  4.3 No Violation. None of the execution and delivery by the
Purchaser of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions provided for
herein or contemplated hereby, and the fulfillment by the Purchaser of the terms
hereof, will (with or without notice or passage of time or both) (a) conflict
with or result in a breach of any provision of the organizational documents of
the Purchaser, (b) result in a default, give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration or require any consent under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, loan, license,
agreement, lease or other instrument or obligation to which the Purchaser is a
party or by which it or any of its assets may be bound or (c) violate any law,
judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation of any
court, administrative agency, bureau, board, commission, office, authority,
department or other governmental entity applicable to the Purchaser or any of
its assets.

                  4.4 Purchase for Investment. The Purchaser will acquire the
Shares for investment and not with a view to distributing all or any part
thereof in any transaction which would constitute a "distribution" within the
meaning of the Securities Act. The Purchaser acknowledges that the Shares have
not been registered under the Securities Act and the Corporation is under no
obligation to file a registration statement with the Commission with respect to
the Shares.

                  4.5 Investor Qualifications. The Purchaser (a) has such
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Shares; (b) is able to
bear the complete loss of its investment in the Shares; (c) has had the
opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Corporation and
its management concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of the Shares
and to obtain additional information; and (d) is an "accredited investor" as
that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) under the Securities Act.

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                   DEFINITIONS

                  5.1 Definitions. The following capitalized terms shall have
the following meanings when used in this Agreement:

         "Agreement"- see Preamble.

         "Amended Credit Agreement" - see Section 2.1.

         "Certificate" - means the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation.

         "Closing" - see Section 1.4.

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         "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Common Stock" - see Recitals.

         "Corporation" - see Preamble.

         "Junior Preferred Stock" - see Recitals.

         "Lien" means any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, security interest,
pledge, lease, conditional sale contract, claim, charge, easement, right of way,
assessment, restriction and other encumbrance of every kind.

         "LGP" - see Section 2.1.

         "Management Agreement" - see Section 2.1.

         "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture,
unincorporated organization or governmental entity or any department, agency or
political subdivision thereof.

         "Purchaser" - see Preamble.

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "Senior Preferred Stock" - see Section 3.3.

         "Shares" - see Recitals.

         "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any entity, any corporation,
association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests
representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the ordinary voting power are, at
the time as of which any determination is being made, owned or controlled by
such entity or one or more Subsidiaries of such entity or by such entity and one
or more Subsidiaries of such entity.

         "Voting Power" of any Person means the total number of votes which may
be cast by the holders of the total number of outstanding shares of stock of any
class or classes of such Person in any election of directors of such Person.

                  5.2 Rules of Construction. The following provisions shall be
applied wherever appropriate herein:

                        (a) "herein," "hereby," "hereunder," "hereof" and other
equivalent words shall refer to this Agreement as an entirety and not solely to
the particular portion of this Agreement in which any such word is used;

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                        (b) all definitions set forth herein shall be deemed
applicable whether the words defined are used herein in the singular or the
plural;

                        (c) wherever used herein, any pronoun or pronouns shall
be deemed to include both the singular and plural and to cover all genders;

                        (d) neither this Agreement nor any other agreement,
document or instrument referred to herein or executed and delivered in
connection herewith shall be construed against either party as the principal
draftsperson hereof or thereof;

                        (e) all references or citations in this Agreement to
statutes or regulations or statutory or regulatory provisions shall generally be
considered citations to such statutes, regulations or provisions as in effect on
the date hereof, except that when the context otherwise requires, such
references shall be considered citations to such statutes, regulations or
provisions as in effect from time to time, including any successor statutes,
regulations or provisions directly or indirectly superseding such statutes,
regulations or provisions; and

                        (f) any references herein to a particular Section or
Article means a Section or Article of, or an Exhibit to, this Agreement unless
another agreement is specified.

                        (g) the Exhibits attached hereto are incorporated herein
by reference and shall be considered part of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         6.1 Consent to Amendments; Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement
may be amended, and the Corporation may take any action herein prohibited, or
omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the
Corporation has obtained the written consent of the Purchaser. No other course
of dealing between the Corporation and the Purchaser or any delay in exercising
any rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any rights of any such
holders. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the
part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement must be made
in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in
such writing.

         6.2 Representations and Warranties; Indemnification.

            (a) Unless otherwise provided herein, all representations and
warranties contained herein or made in writing by any party in connection
herewith or therewith will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of the Purchaser or any
other holder of all or any part of the Shares.

            (b) The Corporation will defend, indemnify and hold the Purchaser or
any other holder of all or any Shares harmless from and against any and all
actions, suits, losses, damages, liabilities, obligations and expenses
(including, but not limited to, legal fees and court

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costs), whether or not resulting from judgments or arbitration awards, that
shall be suffered or incurred by the Purchaser or holder, as the case may be,
resulting from or arising out of any breach of any of the representations or
warranties of the Corporation contained in this Agreement or in any schedule,
certificate, exhibit or other instrument furnished or to be furnished by the
Corporation hereunder.

         6.3 Fees and Expenses.

            (a) The Corporation will bear all of its own expenses in connection
with the preparation, execution and negotiation of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and will pay or reimburse the Purchaser for
the reasonable fees and expenses of the Purchaser arising in connection with the
negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            (b) The Corporation will pay to LGP pursuant to the Management
Agreement $1,950,000 as a fee for arranging the financing pursuant to this
Agreement and the Amended Credit Agreement.

         6.4 Legend. Until (a) the Shares represented by such certificate are
effectively registered under the Securities Act or (b) the holder of such
securities delivers to the Corporation a written opinion of counsel to such
holder, in a form and from a counsel reasonably acceptable to the Corporation,
to the effect that such legend is no longer necessary under the Securities Act,
the Corporation will cause each certificate representing the Shares to be
stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend to substantially the following
effect:

         "THE  SECURITIES   REPRESENTED  BY  THIS   CERTIFICATE  HAVE  NOT  BEEN
         REGISTERED  UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933,  AS AMENDED  (THE "1933
         ACT") OR UNDER THE SECURITIES  LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER  JURISDICTION
         OF THE UNITED  STATES.  THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE
         ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  WHICH IS EFFECTIVE UNDER THE 1933
         ACT AS TO SAID  SECURITIES  OR AN  OPINION  OF  COUNSEL,  IN  FORM  AND
         SUBSTANCE  REASONABLY  SATISFACTORY  TO THE  CORPORATION  AND  GIVEN BY
         COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION,  TO THE EFFECT THAT
         SUCH  REGISTRATION  IS NOT  REQUIRED  UNDER  THE 1933 ACT OR ANY  STATE
         SECURITIES LAWS."

         6.5 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, all agreements contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any of the
parties hereto will bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors
and assigns of the parties hereto, whether so expressed or not. In addition, and
whether or not any express assignment has been made, the provisions of this
Agreement which are for the benefit of the Purchaser or any holder of all or any
part of the Shares are also for the benefit of, and enforceable by, any
subsequent holders of all

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or any part of the Shares. The Shares may not be transferred unless such
transfer is registered under the Securities Act or unless an exemption from such
registration is available, which exemption shall be established either by an
opinion of counsel delivered by the holder of the Shares being transferred or by
other customary means.

         6.6 Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement
are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of
and shall not be utilized in interpreting this Agreement.

         6.7 Notices. Any notices required or permitted to be sent hereunder
shall be delivered personally or mailed, certified mail, return receipt
requested, or delivered by overnight courier service to the following addresses,
or such other address as any party hereto designates by written notice to the
Corporation, and shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery, if delivered
personally, three (3) days after mailing, if mailed, or one (1) business day
after delivery to the courier, if delivered by overnight courier service:

         If to the Corporation, to:

                  Liberty Group Publishing, Inc.
                  3000 Dundee Road
                  Suite 203
                  Northbrook, Illinois 60062
                  Telecopy: (847) 272-6244

         If to the Purchaser, to:

                  c/o Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
                  11111 Santa Monica Boulevard
                  Suite 2000
                  Los Angeles, California 90025
                  Telecopy: (310) 954-0404

         6.8 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE
PARTIES HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT
REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW).

         6.9 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be
deemed an original, and such counterparts together shall constitute one
instrument.

         6.10 Reproduction of Documents. This Agreement and all documents
relating hereto, including, but not limited to, (i) consents, waivers,
amendments and modifications which may hereafter be executed and (ii)
certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished, may be
reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, optical disk, micro-
card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties agree that
any such

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reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any
judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in
existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the
regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further
reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

         6.11 Remedies. Each of the parties to this Agreement will be entitled
to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages by
reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all
other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge
that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the
provisions of this Agreement and that any party shall be entitled to immediate
injunctive relief or specific performance without bond or the necessity of
showing actual monetary damages in order to enforce or prevent any violations of
the provisions of this Agreement.

         6.12 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable
law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or
invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to the
extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of
this Agreement.

         6.13 Final Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete and final
agreement of the parties concerning the matters referred to herein, and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
                            SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS.]

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The parties hereto have executed this Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date
first set forth above.

                           THE CORPORATION:

                           LIBERTY GROUP PUBLISHING, INC.

                           By:   /s/ Kenneth L. Serota
                               -------------------------------------------------
                           Name:
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                           Title:
                                  ----------------------------------------------

                           THE PURCHASER:

                           GREEN EQUITY INVESTORS III, L.P.
                           BY: GEI CAPITAL III, LLC, ITS GENERAL PARTNER

                           By:   /s/ Peter J. Nolan
                               -------------------------------------------------
                           Its:
                                ------------------------------------------------

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                                  SCHEDULE 3.1
                                  SUBSIDIARIES

SUBSIDIARY                                             STATE OF INCORPORATION

Liberty Group Operating, Inc.                                 Delaware
Liberty Group Arizona Holdings, Inc.                          Delaware
Liberty Group Arkansas Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group California Holdings, Inc.                       Delaware
Liberty Group Idaho Holdings, Inc.                            Delaware
Liberty Group Illinois Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group Iowa Holdings, Inc.                             Delaware
Liberty Group Kansas Holdings, Inc.                           Delaware
Liberty Group Louisiana Holdings, Inc.                        Delaware
Liberty Group Michigan Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group Minnesota Holdings, Inc.                        Delaware
Liberty Group Missouri Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group Nebraska Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group Nevada Holdings, Inc.                           Delaware
Liberty Group New York Holdings, Inc.                         Delaware
Liberty Group North Dakota Holdings, Inc.                     Delaware
Liberty Group Pennsylvania Holdings, Inc.                     Delaware
Liberty Group Management Services, Inc.                       Delaware
Liberty Group Suburban Newspapers, Inc.                       Delaware
Elko Daily Free Press                                         Nevada
Magic Valley Publishing Co.                                   Idaho
Mineral Daily News Tribune, Inc.                              West Virginia
News Leader, Inc.                                             Louisiana
Plaquemine Publishing, Inc.                                   Louisiana
Liberty SMC, L.L.C.                                           Delaware<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

                          MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

         This MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of April
18, 2000, is made by and between LIBERTY GROUP OPERATING, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), on the one hand, and LEONARD GREEN & PARTNERS, L.P.
("LGP"), on the other.

         WHEREAS, the Company and LGP are parties to that certain Management
Services Agreement, dated as of January 27, 1998 (the "Original Management
Services Agreement"), pursuant to which LGP provides to the Company certain
management, consulting and financial planing services on an ongoing basis and
certain financial advisory and investment banking services in connection with
major financial transactions that may be undertaken from time to time in the
future; and

         WHEREAS, the Company and LGP desire to amend and restate the Original
Management Services Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.       Retention:

         1.1 General Services. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, LGP
will provide management, consulting and financial planning services to the
Company on an ongoing basis in connection with the operation and growth of the
Company and its subsidiaries during the term of this Agreement (the "General
Services").

         1.2 Major Transaction Services. Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, LGP will provide financial advisory and investment banking services to
the Company in connection with major financial transactions that may be
undertaken from time to time in the future. ("Major Transaction Services" and,
together with the General Services, the "Services").

2.       Compensation.

         2.1 General Services Fee. In consideration of the General Services, the
Company shall pay LGP an aggregate annual fee of $1,480,000. Such fee shall be
payable in equal monthly installments, in advance, on the first day of each
month commencing on May 1, 2000.

         2.2 Major Transaction Services Fee. In consideration of Major
Transaction Services provided by LGP from time to time, the Company shall pay
LGP reasonable and customary fees for services of like kind, taking into
consideration all relevant factors, including but not limited to, the complexity
of the subject transaction, the time devoted to providing such services and the
value of LGP's investment banking expertise and relationships within the
business and financial community. The amount of such fees shall be (a) approved
in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Company's charter documents
or financing agreements, or, if no such procedures are

<PAGE>   2

set forth therein, (b) either (i) approved by a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company or (ii) fair to the Company from a financial point of
view in the opinion of an independent nationally recognized investment banking
firm.

         2.3 Expenses. In addition to the fees to be paid to LGP under Section
2.1 and 2.2 hereof, the Company shall pay to, or on behalf of, LGP, monthly as
billed, all reasonable out-of- pocket expenses incurred by LGP in connection
with the Services rendered hereunder. Such expenses shall include, among other
things, fees and disbursements of counsel, travel expenses, word processing
charges, messenger and duplicating services, facsimile and other customary
expenditures.

3.       Term.

         3.1 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate on January 27, 2010.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any time by
LGP by written notice to the Company.

         3.2 Survival of Certain Obligations. Notwithstanding any other
provision hereof, the Company's obligation to pay amounts due with respect to
periods prior to the termination hereof pursuant to Section 2 and the provisions
of Sections 5 and 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

4.       Decisions/Authority of Management Advisor.

         4.1 Decisions by Company. The Company reserves the right to make all
decisions with regard to any matter upon which LGP has rendered its advice and
consultation.

         4.2 Independent Contractor. LGP shall act solely as an independent
contractor and shall have complete charge of its personnel engaged in the
performance of the Services. As an independent contractor, LGP shall have
authority only to act as an advisor to the Company and shall have no authority
to enter into any agreement or to make any representation, commitment or
warranty binding upon the Company or to obtain or incur any right, obligation or
liability on behalf of the Company.

5.       Indemnification.

         5.1 Indemnification/Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall (i)
indemnify, defend and hold harmless LGP, its affiliates and the partners,
directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons to LGP and their
respective affiliates (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties"), to the fullest
extent permitted by law, form and against any and all losses, claims, damages
and liabilities, joint or several, to which any Indemnified Party may become
subject, caused by, related to or arising out of the Services or any other
advice or services contemplated by this Agreement or the engagement of LGP
pursuant to, and the performance by

                                        2
<PAGE>   3

LGP of the services contemplated by this Agreement or the engagement of LGP
pursuant to, and the performance by LGP of the Services contemplated by, this
Agreement, and (ii) promptly reimburse each Indemnified Party for all costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), as incurred, in
connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense of any pending
or threatened claim or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or
not such Indemnified Party is a party and whether or not such claim, action or
proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of the Company and whether or
not resulting in any liability.

         5.2 Limited Liability. The Company shall not be liable under the
indemnifications contained in Section 5.1 to the extent that such loss, claim,
damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final non-appealable judgment
by a court to have resulted from LGP's bad faith or gross negligence. The
Company further agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability
(whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to the Company,
holders of its securities or its creditors related to arising out of the
engagement of LGP pursuant to, or the performance by LGP of the Services
contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent that any loss, claim,
damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final non-appealable judgment
by a court to have resulted from LGP's bad faith or gross negligence.

         5.3 Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable
contribution, if a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Agreement is made
but it is found in a final non-appealable judgment by a court that such
indemnification may not be enforced in such case, even though the express
provisions hereof provide for indemnification in such case, then the Company, on
the one hand, and LGP, on the other hand, shall contribute to the losses,
claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses to which the Indemnified
Persons may be subject in accordance with the relative benefits received by the
Company, on the one hand, and LGP, on the other hand, and also the relative
fault of the Company, on the one hand, and LGP, on the other hand, in connection
with the statements, acts or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, costs and expenses and the relevant equitable
considerations shall also be considered. No person found liable for a fraudulent
misrepresentation shall be entitled to contribution from any person who is not
also found liable for such fraudulent misrepresentation. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, LGP shall not be obligated to contribute any amount hereunder that
exceeds the amount of fees previously received by it pursuant to this Agreement.

6.       Subordination.

         6.1 Agreement to Subordinate. LGP agrees that, to the extent set forth
in this Section 6, all payments and fees owed to LGP pursuant to this Agreement
shall be subordinated in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Senior
Indebtedness Documents (as hereinafter defined), to the payment in full in cash
or cash equivalents of all Senior Indebtedness whether outstanding on the date
hereof or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and that such
subordination is for the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness. For
purposes of this Section 6, the term "Senior Indebtedness" means indebtedness of
the Company arising under (i) the 9 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 of
the Company, (ii) the 11 5/8% Senior Discount

                                        3
<PAGE>   4

Debentures due 2009 of Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. and (iii) that certain
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April ___, 2000, among the
Company, Liberty Publishing, the Lenders party thereto, Citicorp USA, Inc., as
Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, Citibank, N.A., as Issuing Bank,
Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Incorporated, as Syndication Agent, Wells Fargo Bank,
N.A., as Documentation Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Agent (the
agreements, documents and instruments described in the foregoing clauses (i),
(ii) and (iii) are collectively referred to herein as the "Senior Indebtedness
Documents").

         6.2 Relative Rights. Upon any distribution of assets of the Company,
winding up, total or partial liquidation or reorganization of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness shall
be entitled to receive payment on such Senior Indebtedness in full in cash or
cash equivalents before LGP shall be entitled to receive any payment pursuant to
this Agreement. No payment (by set-off or otherwise) may be made by or on behalf
of the Company pursuant to this Agreement, for cash or property, (i) upon the
maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of the Company by lapse of time,
acceleration or otherwise, unless and until all principal of, premium, if any,
and the interest on and fees in respect of such Senior Indebtedness are paid in
full in cash or cash equivalents, (ii) when such payment is prohibited by the
agreements or instruments relating to the Senior Indebtedness and (iii) in the
event of default in the payment of any principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on and fees in respect of Senior Indebtedness of the Company when it
becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment
or by declaration or otherwise (a "Payment Default"), unless and until such
Payment Default has been cured or waived or otherwise has ceased to exist.

         6.3 When Amounts Must be Paid Over. In the event that, notwithstanding
the other provisions of this Agreement, LGP receives any payment or distribution
of any payments or fees pursuant to this Agreement at a time when LGP has actual
knowledge that such payment or distribution is prohibited by this Section 6 or
the agreements or instruments relating to the Senior Indebtedness, such payment
or distribution shall be held by LGP in trust for the benefit of, and shall be
paid forthwith over and delivered, upon written request, to, the holders of
Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid or unprovided for, or to the trustee or
trustees under the agreements or instruments relating to the Senior
Indebtedness, ratably according to aggregate principal amounts remaining unpaid
on account of such Senior Indebtedness held or represented by such, for
application to the payment of all obligations with respect to Senior
Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay or to provide for
the payment of all such obligations in full in cash or cash equivalents in
accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to or for holders of Senior Indebtedness.

7.       Miscellaneous.

         7.1 Assignment. Neither the Company nor LGP shall assign this Agreement
or the rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of the other; provided, however, that, without obtaining such
consent, LGP may assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder
to (i) any of its affiliates; (ii) any investment manager,

                                        4
<PAGE>   5

investment advisor or partner of LGP, or any principal or beneficial owner of
any of the foregoing; or (iii) any investment fund, investment account or
investment entity whose investment manager, investment advisor or partner, or
any principal or beneficial owner of any of the foregoing, is either LGP or any
person identified in (i) or (ii) above. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement
will be binding upon and inure solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or
have any right hereunder or by virtue hereof.

         7.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois as applied to contracts made
and performed within the State of Illinois without regard to principles of
conflict of laws.

         7.3 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of
this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions,
covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and
effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties
hereto shall use their best efforts to find any employ an alternative means to
achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such
term, provision, covenant or restriction.

         7.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and
memorializes and supersedes all written or verbal representations, warranties,
commitments and other understandings prior to the date of this Agreement.

         7.5 Further Assurances. Each party hereto agrees to use all reasonable
efforts to obtain all consents and approvals and to do all other things
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
parties agree to take such further action and to deliver or cause to be
delivered any additional agreements or instruments as either of them may
reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out this Agreement and the
agreements and transactions contemplated hereby.

         7.6 Attorneys' Fees. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any
provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted
as a defense, the prevailing party, as determined by the court, shall be
entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees in addition to any other
available remedy.

         7.7 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience and
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

         7.8 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof
may be given, provided that the same are in writing and signed by each of the
parties hereto.

                                        5
<PAGE>   6

         7.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

         7.10 Benefits of Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, express or
implied, shall give to any person, other than the parties hereto and their
successors hereunder and the holders of Senior Indebtedness, any benefit or any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement.

         7.11 Amendment and Restatement of Original Management Services
Agreement. This Agreement amends, restates and replaces the Original Management
Services Agreement in its entirety, and the Original Management Services
Agreement is of no further force or effect as of and after the date hereof.

                                        6
<PAGE>   7

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Management Services
Agreement on the date first appearing above.

                                       LIBERTY GROUP OPERATING, INC.

                                       By:   /s/ Kenneth L. Serota
                                          -------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Kenneth L. Serota
                                       Title: President

                                       LEONARD GREEN & PARTNERS, L.P.
                                       BY:      LGP MANAGEMENT, INC. ITS GENERAL
                                                PARTNER

                                       By:   /s/ Peter J. Nolan
                                          -------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                            -----------------------------------
                                       Its:
                                           ------------------------------------

                                        7

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