Wednesday, October 28, 2009


Speculation mounts over future of Lonely Planet
27.10.09 Victoria Gallagher - The Bookseller


Speculation is mounting into the BBC's sale of Lonely Planet after its founders Tony and Maureen Wheelers’ option to sell their remaining stake to the corporation was extended.The travel publisher was sold to BBC Worldwide in October 2007 with the Wheelers retaining a 25% stake in the business, which could be sold to BBC Worldwide at any time before 31st October. This has now reportedly been extended, but the date of the new deadline has not been revealed.

John Whittingdale, MP, who chairs the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, told The Times: "If the Wheelers are not interested in selling, then the BBC should just say: ‘Right, we won’t extend it.’"
Tony Elliott, the chairman of Time Out, added: "I have been told by reliable sources that the BBC will sell Lonely Planet, which is what we have been calling for from day one."
And here is the story from The Times.

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