Pearson denies that Financial Times is up for sale

Financial Times parent company Pearson has denied claims that it is in talks to sell the newspaper – potentially to global financial news giant Thomson Reuters.

Guardian America columnist Michael Wolff claimed that he had been told of 'informal' deal discussions by a source, "someone likely to be consulted by the deal-making side".

He quotes the source as saying the story is: "Solid. Really. Still at an informal level of conversation ... but in clear discussions."

Wolff notes: "In other words, even if true, it could be a business lifetime until an agreement. Still. The logic of a deal can almost be as good as a deal."

He said it was "certainly true" that Thomson Reuters did not need a newspaper, but "it could change the game" if the group acquired "a major financial news organ".

He added: "I believe it: the game's afoot. Of course, never underestimate the glacial pace of the inevitable."

Pearson responded with a statement on Twitter: "The FT is a very valued and valuable part of Pearson. It is not for sale."

In a trading update last month, the company reported "good growth" at FT Group – despite volatile advertising conditions – and an increase in digital and subscription-based revenue.

The group will provide more details when it releases its full-year results on 27 February.

Thomson Reuters, meanwhile, reported a $705 million (£446 million) loss in its full-year results, published yesterday, after writing down $3 million from the value of its financial services division, which has suffered from a drop in demand as a result of the global financial crisis.

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