Mr Richard Desmond, who recently bought the Express newspapers, is planning to sell his stable of adult magazine titles, it emerged today.
Mr Desmond's Northern & Shell company - which paid £125 million sterling for the Express newspapers in November - said in a statement that the adult titles were not regarded as part of the group's future.
"It has always been clear to the Northern & Shell Board that once we were committed to the future of the Express titles and the Daily Star, our adult titles and associated websites, which represent 5 per cent of turnover, would not be regarded as part of the future of this media group," the statement said.
The stable, which numbers around 35 titles, includes publications such as Asian Babes, Big Ones and Posh Wives.
There was speculation that Northern & Shell was seeking between £10 million and £20 million for the titles, although the company would not confirm this.
A Northern & Shell spokeswoman said: "They are up for sale as of now.
Northern & Shell's other interests include celebrity magazine OK!
PA