The Bookseller.com

5th December 2008

« Headlines

BBC eyes Worldwide flotation

18.02.08

The BBC is eyeing fresh plans for the partial sale or stock-market flotation of BBC Worldwide, its commercial division, by 2012, according to the Times.

Zarin Patel, BBC finance director, said the idea was a"tempting" way of pulling more money into its coffers. But she harbours concerns about losing control of the BBC name. "We have to think about brand control," said Patel. "Who do we want to be in bed with?"

Analysts value BBC Worldwide at more than £2bn – which means that if the BBC sold a 25% stake it could raise in excess of £500m. The division made a profit of £111m last year. Revenues are expected to exceed those of ITV1 in four years.

The Times

Financial Lonely Planet BBC Worldwide