Is BBC Worldwide about to be put up for sale?

BBC Worldwide could be about to part privatise, according to the BBC’s director general Mark Thompson.

In an interview with the UK’s Guardian newspaper, Thompson said the BBC would review ”whether 100% ownership of Worldwide is essential going forward”.

According to reports, options being mooted include a stockmarket flotation or selling a stake to a rival broadcaster or international partner.

BBC Worldwide is the commercial subsidiary of the BBC and last year made profits of AED 625 million from licensing programmes and formats such as Top Gear, Blue Planet and Dancing with the Stars.

It describes itself as a ‘global showcase for the best of British creative talent including actors, journalists, presenters, writers, directors, musicians, designers and technicians.’