London – The part-privatization of the BBC’s lucrative commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, is being considered, according to The Guardian. BBC director general, Mark Thompson is quoted as saying, “One of the things we should look at over this period is whether 100% ownership of Worldwide is essential going forward.” Report says that the options under consideration include a stockmarket listing of the business, which had annual revenues of about £1bn last year. If the part-privatization were to go ahead, investors could buy shares while the corporation would keep control of the commercial arm, which also publishes magazines and licenses merchandise. BBC Worldwide has also been in talks with fellow British broadcaster Channel 4 about a potential joint venture. The Guardian report adds that Thompson stressed that the part-privatization was just one option within a “whole range of things” being reviewed.