Reed Elsevier announced in February that it was to divest of its print arm in a bid to end its dependence on the volatile advertising market.
However, a recent deterioration in economic conditions within the media sector has made a sale more difficult as trade buyers batten down the hatches and private equity houses risk difficulties selling any debt used to leverage a buyout in the money markets.
Reed is reported to have offered a £160m loan to any potential buyer of the £1.25bn portfolio, which counts New Scientist among its titles, in a move to facilitate a deal.
Reed Elsevier declined to comment when contacted by PrintWeek. An update on the deal is expected when the company delivers its interim results next week.
'Two dozen' companies interested in Reed Elsevier print arm buy
Speculation is growing over a proposed sale of Reed Elsevier's trade magazine arm with <i>The Daily Telegraph</i> reporting that US publishing McGraw Hill and private equity firms Bain and TPG are among two dozen companies that have expressed their interest.
