COPENHAGEN, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Norwegian media group Schibsted said on Monday it has made a non-binding agreement worth 6.2 billion crowns ($568 million) to sell its news media operations to main owner Tinius Trust, which would split the group into two companies.

If finalised, the traditional media company would be fully owned by the Tinius Trust, while the other, owning online market places and other ventures, would remain listed on the stock market, Schibsted said in a statement.

Tinius Trust's investment vehicle Blommenholm Industrier is Schibsted's largest owner with a 26% stake. The Tinius Trust would keep its stake in Schibsted's other businesses after the transaction.

The total deal value consists of 5.4 billion Norwegian crowns for Schibsted's News Media business and its minority stakes in Norsk Telegrambyra, TT Nyhetsbyran and Lokalavisene, as well as its stake in Polaris Media worth 0.8 billion crowns.

"The agreement to acquire Schibsted's news media operations must be approved by the general meeting of Schibsted ASA and is contingent upon the parties' agreement on final transaction agreements," Schibsted said.

It said it expects to close the deal in the first half of 2024 and intends to use cash proceeds to return capital to its shareholders.

"The technological crossroads we are facing requires new measures," Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Tinius Trust, said.

Schibsted in January announced cost cuts of $50 mln at its News Media unit due to rising paper and energy prices. ($1 = 10.9093 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Terje Solsvik)