According to Sky News the German media giant is set to buy Immediate for £260m.

A spokesman for Immediate Media, which is owned by Exponent Private Equity, said the company could offer no comment today. Exponent also declined to comment. 

Immediate Media publishes a raft of household magazine titles including The Radio Times and BBC branded titles including Top Gear, Good Food, Gardeners’ World, C-Beebies and Top of The Pops.

The publishing firm was formed when Exponent Private Equity merged its existing digital platform and media business Magicalia with BBC Magazines and Origin Publishing in 2011. It operates from offices in London and Bristol.

Hubert Media is one of the biggest publishers in Germany and its UK arm produces titles including Your Home, Homestyle, Wedding, Wedding Flowers and Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom. Globally the publisher employs 8,000 people in 12 countries. 

According to today’s reports the deal is likely to be confirmed later this week.