VNU, publisher of trade publications like
Adweek, Billboard and
The Hollywood Reporter, Thursday said it is talking with a media investment banking firm to help it divest of five titles:
Apparel, FoodService Director, ID Access, Restaurant Business and
Retail Merchandiser, reports Reuters. In its first half 2004 earnings report, VNU said ad revenues for its trade
publications have declined 14 percent to $140 million during the first six months of 2004. Among its flagship titles,
Billboard declined 13 percent,
The Hollywood Reporter declined 5
percent, but
Adweek actually rose 2 percent.