Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet today was acquired by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British broadcaster. BBCW purchased a 75% stake in the company, founded by Tony & Maureen Wheeler in 1972. The Wheelers, who pioneered the long-haul guidebook category with their first title, Across Asia on the Cheap, retain a 25% share in the company.
Lonely Planet has evolved over three decades into a leading global brand for independent travelers, with a list of more than 500 guidebooks and the multiple-webby winning travel site, Lonelyplanet.com.
One reason for the purchase is Lonely Planet's potential for growth in the digital space and global markets, said the BBCW. Terms of the deal were not announced.
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