BBC Worldwide mulls Lonely Planet sale
BBC Worldwide is reportedly in discussions with US billionaire Brad Kelley over the sale of its controlling stake in travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.
According to the guardian a deal on the table would see the BBC retain a minority holding in the firm, just two years after completing a buy out of the firm.
A BBC Worldwide spokesperson said: "We have been exploring strategic options for Lonely Planet for some time now but no deal has been done and we are not going to comment on speculation about its future."
The move to retreat from the travel brand follows the departure of BBC Worldwide’s chief executive John Smith, a key proponent of the venture. His successor Tim Davie is thought to be less attached to the brand.