News International (NI), the publishing arm of News Corporation, is reported to be inviting potential bids for the Times Educational supplement along side other specialist titles, with the education business valued at approximately £250 million.
According to the
Financial Times, Rupert Murdoch has discussed the potential disposal of the assets at a News Corporation board meeting in London last month.
Although the company refused to comment on the speculation, several private equity firms and trade buyers are reported to have been approached about the deal, which would include the Times Higher Educational Supplement (TES) and Nursery World.
It is believed that News Corp is selling the titles to focus investment on its raft of national newspapers, including, The Sun, The Times, News of the World and the Sunday Times.
The rumoured disposal of its education business follows other sales of core assets by the group, such as its sale of its 38% holding in The Wireless Group (TWG) to Ulster TV.
Ulster TV recently had its £98.2 million bid for TWG confirmed, claiming that the acquisition of the Group would strengthen it’s position as a TV and radio broadcaster in the Republic of Ireland (see UTV Offers £98.2 Million For Wireless).
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