BBC Magazines in move to Hammersmith

BBC Magazines staff are moving from their current location in London's White City to what are thought to be refurbished offices in the Brook Green area of Hammersmith.

The creation of Immediate Media followed clearance by the OFT of the purchase of BBC Magazines by private qequity company Exponent.

Executives have explained the move to BBC staff, who were kept up to date about possible London locations.

Hammersmith was chosen because of its proximity to its current White City offices, and its efficient transport links, Media Week has been told.

Former BBC Magazines staff and Magicalia staff will be housed in Hammersmith while employees at the Bristol-based publisher Origin – also part of Immediate Media – will remain in Bristol.

Immediate Media will employ 750 staff and publish flagship former BBC titles including Radio Times

The company will be headed up by Tom Bureau, chief executive of Exponent-owned specialist publisher Magicalia, while BBC Magazines chief executive Peter Phippen becomes deputy chairman.

BBC Magazines, how the sale happened

• 1 November 2011. BBC Magazines becomes Immediate Media
• 20 October 2011. Immediate Media name revealed
• 18 October 2011. OFT clears sale of BBC Magazines to Exponent
• 16 August 2011. Exponent’s £121million deal announced
• 25 May 2011. BBC confirms Exponent as preferred partner
• 21 February 2011. Bauer and H Bauer team up to pitch
• 7 February 2011. Hearst backs down from sales pitch
• 7 January 2011. BBC confirms sale plans
• 24 September 2010. BBC Trust gives green light for magazines sale
• 12 April 2010. BBC confirms it is seeking a media partner for its magazine portfolio

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This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk