The sale of publishing and media group United Business Media’s (UBM) market research firm, NOP has sparked interest from three major players in the media world, WPP, Aegis and Taylor Nelson Sofres.
NOP is valued at £250 million (see
UBM Considering Sale Of NOP World), with the first rounds in the auction, which is being handled by Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Allen and Company due to begin yesterday.
The sale is also said to have attracted interest from VNU, the Dutch information providers, and private equity bidders.
Lord Hollick, chief executive of UBM is pressing ahead with the disposal before he retires in early April to join venture capital group, KKR. However, it is not clear whether or not he will be able to complete the deal before David Symbian takes over his position (see United Business Media Announces New Chief Executive).
Last year NOP World generated £203.9 million in revenues and £19.3 million of underlying profit, the first half of 2004 saw sales amount to £94.4 million and income reach £10.5 million.
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