Media: Emap weighs up business sell-off

Marketing 01-Aug-07

Beleaguered publishing company Emap has confirmed it is considering a potential sale or demerger of its business, which includes brands such as FHM, Grazia and radio station Kiss.

The move follows a U-turn in strategy at the publisher following the
departure of chief executive Tom Moloney in May after 26 years at the
company.

Emap issued a statement last week saying it was considering a 'sale or

demerger of some or all of its business'.

Analysts believe a piecemeal sell-off is likely and there is speculation
about the future of underperforming consumer and business-to-business
titles. Media agencies say the review is likely to increase pressure on
trading.

Last year Emap sold its French division for £380m, while last
month it struck a deal to offload its Irish radio stations for a fee in
the region of £135m.