The BBC has confirmed it is considering a part-sale of BBC Worldwide or floating it on the stock market.

Finance director Zarin Patel hopes to find a deal by 2012 and said it was a "tempting" way to raise funds for expansion.

The division is valued at more than £2 billion and reports suggest it could sell 25% to make over £500m. It is keen to grow to generate more income for the BBC but the Government limits its borrowing at £350m.

However, Patel said there were also concerns about the corporation losing control of Worldwide in potential deals: "We have to think about brand control. Who do we want to be in bed with?"

Patel is also to look at commercialising the research and innovation centre at the BBC.