Bauer emerges as front runner to acquire BBC Magazines
BBC Worldwide’s bid to find a suitor for its magazine business looks to be reaching its denouement with two publishers making the final cut.
Of these Bauer is seen as the favourite to assume ownership of a suite of titles which include mags such as Top Gear and The Radio Times.
The German firm is expected to offer in excess of £100m for the portfolio, which is considered a good fit for its existing operations.
Reports suggest that a “non-binding” offer could be made by the end of the month.
Hubert Burda, another German publisher, has also been linked to the deal but declined to comment.
In striking a deal the BBC will continue to exert a degree of control over its brands and the new owner will be instructed not to cherry pick select titles when taking the business forward.