Deals
Ascential Weighs Alternatives After Unit Sale Stalls
- UK media company announced breakup plan earlier this year
- WGSN sale drew interest from Hearst, private equity firms
Duncan Painter, chief executive officer of Ascential
Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Ascential Plc is considering alternatives after efforts to offload its consumer trend-spotting unit stalled, people with knowledge of the matter said.
The UK media company is speaking to advisers about its next steps after bids for the WGSN business fell short of expectations, the people said. Difficulties with that divestment have led Ascential to consider a broader range of options that could include a full sale, according to the people.