London/Melbourne: BBC Worldwide has acquired Lonely Planet, the Australian-based travel information group, in a deal that will build the Lonely Planet franchise around the world. Lonely Planet was founded by owners Tony and Maureen Wheeler in 1972, and advertising guru John Singleton became a shareholder in 1999. “Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group,” said the Wheelers, who will retain a 25% stake. 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. John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide, said: “Lonely Planet is a highly respected international brand and a global leader in the provision of travel information. 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.”