BBC Worldwide buys Lonely Planet

BBC Worldwide has bought travel guide group Lonely Planet in a move designed to bolster its content business.

Lonely Planet is best known for its travel guide books but the group also includes a television production arm and a travel-themed video social networking website.

"We are delighted to be announcing this acquisition today," said BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith. "Lonely Planet is a highly respected international brand and a global leader in the provision of travel information. This deal fits well with our strategy to create one of the world's leading content businesses, to grow our portfolio of content brands online and to increase our operations in Australia and America."

Lonely Planet's headquarters will remain in Melbourne and the company's existing management team will stay with the business.

"Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group," said Lonely Planet co-founders Maureen and Tony Wheeler. "In our discussions with John and his team, we felt that BBC Worldwide would provide a platform true to our vision and values, while allowing us to take the business to the next level."