Trinity Mirror to sell magazines and exhibitions division

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 23-Jun-06, 08:50

LONDON - Trinity Mirror, publisher of the Daily Mirror and The People, is reportedly planning to sell its magazines and exhibitions division, which comprises Inside Communications and Trinity Publications, with the acquisition expected to fetch in the region of £45m-£50m.

The group has declined to comment on the future of the division, which publishes a mixture of consumer and trade magazine and exhibition titles, including Classic Car Mart, property title Build It and Bridal Buyer, and it is understood that potential buyers include Isis Equity Partners and other private equity firms.

The division comprises two halves, Inside Communications and Trinity Publications, and it has been reported that Trinity Mirror has appointed KPMG to advise it on the sale of the business.

The sale is not believed to be part of any broader review of the group's assets, but comes in the wake of several newspaper publishers reassessing their portfolios and internet asset growth.

Last month, Trinity Mirror acquired regional internet property directory company Email4Property for £4.4m, adding to its current online property portfolio, which includes SmartNewHomes.com after acquiring it from Smart Media Services for £11.3m in July 2005.

Inside Communications, led by managing director David Moran, comprises a range of diverses titles, the most prominent being Bridal Buyer, which organises the British Bridal Exhibition every year.

The division also organises the London Caravan and Outdoor Show, The National Wedding Show, and publishes Communities Today and motorcycle title Streetfighters.

Trinity Mirror has so far declined to comment on the sale.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.