In a trading update for the April to September period issued this morning, Emap offered no comment on developments in the auction of its assets, except that the board continued to be encouraged by progress and it would provide more information at its first half results on November 13.
Since the company announced its strategic review at the end of July, several bidders have expressed interest in its business-to-business, consumer magazines and radio divisions.
The B2B division has continued to shine according to Emap's update today, reporting a 5% increase in revenues over the same period last year.
The company said the group as a whole was set for marginal revenue growth, with the outlook described as positive for events and information and "reasonable" for B2B magazines.
The consumer magazine division has continued to struggle, with an 8% drop in overall revenues. Ad revenues were down 11%, while circulation revenues were down 4%. The outlook for circulation was described as "mixed" and advertising as "weak".
The radio division achieved 2% growth in revenues. London stations were down 5% and the Big City network was up 2%. The outlook was described as "reasonable".
Group revenues are expected to grow by 1%, but will be down 1% on an underlying basis.
The group said profitability remains "robust" because of benefits from recent efficiency initiatives.
The search for a new chief executive continues alongside the review process.
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