BBC Magazines to sell off Origin titles in management buy-out

LONDON - BBC Magazines is to sell off Origin Publishing and all of its non-BBC related titles to a management buy-out team after an extensive tender.

The corporation will retain the BBC-branded titles previously produced by Origin under a new subsidiary called Bristol Magazines, which will be chaired by Peter Phippen.

Among the titles being sold are all of BBC Magazines' hair care and cross stitching range, including Hair Ideas, Cross Stitch Crazy, Card Making and Papercraft, Beautiful Cards and 220 Triathlon.

BBC Magazines will retain a minority stake in Origin Publishing for a period as part of what it describes as a "staged exit", and will continue to offer management services to selected BBC titles in this period.

Peter Phippen, BBC Magazines' managing director, said: "It's sad to have to sell Origin, and to be saying farewell to some very talented people but this is in line with the new remit for BBC Magazines.

"Origin is an excellent company and I'm sure the MBO team will ensure the business continues to prosper. For our part, we remain committed to Bristol as a publishing centre."

BBC Magazines' will retain more familiar titles in the shake-up, including Focus, History, Music, Wildlife, Gardens Illustrated and About The House.

Andy Marshall, managing director of Origin Publishing, said: "We have a fantastic team here with great vision and passion and I know that the business will continue to grow and develop under their leadership."

Earlier in the week, BBC Magazines announced it was to enter the puzzle market with the launch of Mind Games on June 6.

The new title, aimed at problem solving and fact enthusiasts, begins its campaign with a series of press ads and inserts which will appear in other BBC Magazine titles, including Top Gear, Radio Times and Good Food from May 2.

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