There are rumours that Time Warner, the global media group, may be tempted to put IPC, its UK magazine publishing business, up for sale amid increasing levels of interest from private equity groups. 

The interest has been sparked by Time Warner's decision in September to put 18 of its US magazines up for sale, a move that has prompted speculation that the group may even sell its entire Time publishing arm, focusing its efforts on digital and cable assets in the US instead.

Firms such as Blackstone, Permira, Cinven, CVC and Carlyle have all been named as likely bidders if the unit does come on the market. A sale would be expected to fetch up to £1.5bn.

IPC publishes some of the leading titles in the UK magazine market, including Marie Claire, In Style, NME, Loaded and Nuts.