JANUARY 7, 2003

Interpublic in the mood to sell

Interpublic, the company which controls Silverstone, Brands Hatch and several other British racing circuits, has sold its market research subsidiary NFO WorldGroup, which it purchased three years ago for $580m.

The move comes as Interpublic is considering the sale of other non-core assets in order to raise money to help balance its books.

There has been speculation for some months that Interpublic will sell its Octagon Motorsports subsidiary or sell off parts of the company if an overall buyer cannot be found. There have already been suggestions that Silverstone, which the company leases from the British Racing Drivers Club, may end up in the hands of Bernie Ecclestone although this news has not yet been confirmed.