London/Melbourne – BBC Worldwide has acquired 75% of Lonely Planet, the Australian-based travel information group in a deal that values the company at a reported 100 million pounds ($A229 million). According to Sydney media reports, BBC Worldwide’s offer beat bids from National Geographic Society and Fairfax Media, Lonely Planet, which has operations in Australia, the US and the UK, will continue to be led by CEO Judy Slatyer and her management team, and the global headquarters will remain in Melbourne. Founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler will retain a 25% stake. John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide, said, “This deal fits well with our strategy to create one of the world’s leading content businesses, to grow our portfolio of content brands online and to increase our operations in Australia and America.” Earlier this year, BBC Worldwide bought a 25% stake in Sydney-based Freehand Productions as a first step to becoming a leading international content producer in Australia.