Future eyeing BBC swoop?

Future Publishing is seriously considering making a bid for the BBC Magazine portfolio, which includes the likes of Radio Times and Top Gear.

That’s according to The Guardian, which claims that the Bath-based company "has been actively involved in the sales process surrounding BBC Magazines" though understands that the final decision on a potential offer has yet to be made.

The KPMG handled sale is is expected to receive two non-binding offers from unnamed parties this week. The rival offer is believed to stem from German publisher Bauer, though current Radio Times publisher IDC would likely object to such a move on anti-competiveness grounds.

It’s also understood that the BBC is insistent on a sale that includes all of its 34 magazine titles, having already rejected several offers for individual publications.

The Guardian believes Future would need to raise around 100m if it hopes to concoct a successful deal. With a current market cap of 89m it is speculated that a share sale and loan would be needed to raise the capital.