Emap says radio assets are not for sale

LONDON - Emap chief executive Robin Miller has told Capital Radio that Emap's radio business, which includes Kiss FM, is not up for sale.

His comments follow those of Capital chief executive David Mansfield, who said he would be interested in acquiring Emap's radio interests, which also includes Piccadilly Radio in Manchester.



In a statement this morning, Miller said, "We can quite understand why Capital would be interested in the best radio broadcaster in the country but these assets are not for sale."



Mansfield made the comments yesterday as he announced a 27% drop in Capital's full-year profits to £30.1m. He acknowledged, however, that although he would like to buy the assets he would not be allowed to because of current UK media ownership rules.



Media ownership rules are set to change in the next couple of years and by that time Emap may have changed its mind about keeping its radio business.



Despite Miller's dismissal of Mansfield's comments, speculation continues to surround Emap's performance. The company is seen to be attempting to recover from a disastrous adventure into the US market, which cost it dearly and saw the resignation of chief executive Kevin Hand who forced through the acquisition of Petersen, the company which became Emap USA.



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