Source: New York Times

REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters) - The BBC has been holding talks with City advisers about floating part of BBC Worldwide, its commercial arm, the Financial Times reported in its Wednesday editions.

Two people close to the early stage discussions told the Financial Times Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse were acting as advisers.

A BBC spokesman said the broadcaster had no plans for the sale BBC Worldwide, either in whole or in part, and are not engaging any investment bank in the matter.

BBC Worldwide, which had revenues of around 1 billion pounds in 2008, sells the rights to popular shows such as Strictly Come Dancing to international buyers, publishes magazines and licenses merchandise from popular programmes.

The BBC is under pressure from both sides of parliament to share the benefits of the licence fee it levies on all UK households that watch television.

In September, BBC director general Mark Thompson said the publicly funded broadcaster was considering the partial privatisation of BBC Worldwide.

© New York Times