Pearson Says in Talks to Sell its 50 Percent Stake in The Economist

The move comes on the heels of Pearson's sale of the Financial Times newspaper to Japanese media group Nikkei.

LONDON: British publishing group Pearson said on Saturday it was in talks to sell its 50 percent stake in The Economist Group, publisher of The Economist newspaper.

The move comes on the heels of Pearson's sale of the Financial Times newspaper to Japanese media group Nikkei, announced this week.

"Pearson confirms it is in discussions with The Economist Group Board and trustees regarding the potential sale of our 50 percent share in the Group," the company said in a statement on Saturday.

Reuters said on Friday that Pearson could sell its stake in The Economist, which is co-owned by a series of wealthy families and its staff and former staff, as it focuses on education.