BBC strikes magazine deal with ACP

Sydney – BBC Magazines will launch in Australia under a joint venture with the country’s largest publishing group ACP Magazines.

The first magazine to launch under the partnership will be an Australian edition of Top Gear, in mid 2008.

Peter Phippen, managing director BBC Magazines said, the joint venture will enable the publishing group to explore its stable of key BBC properties in what he said was a "rapidly-growing market".

Phil Scott, group publisher men's & specialist titles at ACP Magazines, will take on the additional role of general manager of the joint venture and will run the day to day management of the company.

The deal comes just weeks after ACP sold its 50% stake in the UK publishing joint venture ACP NatMag.