Dutch publisher Wolters Kluwer is tipped to sell off its education business, Wolters Kluwer Education, after appointing Lehman Brothers to look at strategic alternatives for the division as part of a three year restructuring process.

 Although the company have stressed that the review will not necessarily lead to a sale, analysts believe that the division does not fit with Wolters' core portfolio. 

Chief Executive Nancy McKinstry stated that the company would “explore alternatives for the division that will provide the Education business with the best opportunities for future expansion and our shareholders with enhanced value.”

Wolters Kluwer Education has businesses in seven European countries, including Holland and the UK, and recorded a turnover of €309m in 2005. It is one of Europe's leading providers of primary, secondary and vocational educational material, content and services.

Finnish media group SanomaWSOY has been tipped as a good fit for the company, while British educational publisher Pearson and Reed Elsevier, the Anglo-Dutch publishing company, have also been named as potential buyers.

The business is estimated to fetch around €60m if sold.