Metro International has found a niche in publishing. Metro based in Luxembourg publishes 25 editions of it's free newspaper in 16 countries in 14 languages and reaches 12.3 million daily readers. Newspapers are distributed via local public transport systems and consist of world news combined with local information. While such newspapers are far from new, Metro has spread at a remarkable speed in many countries and languages. Metro also provides all editions online. Equipped with a decent PDA you never miss your local newspaper while traveling abroad.
Heiko pointed me to more information about MTG the parent company of Metro. There is also a good analysis (in German only) about competition of several free newspapers (incl. Metro's) in Zuerich.