Hearst (Still) Has Its Eye On HFMUS

The rumors have been circulating for some time now about a possible deal between Hearst and Lagardère Active’s U.S. magazine arm, HFMUS, and now they seem close to becoming reality. Lagardère is currently trying to reduce overseas expenses and hone its focus on its main publishing business, looking to outside companies to help that happen, either through a sale or a joint venture.

Now, an unnamed executive close to the companies tells Adweek that, after ongoing talks, the heads of both Hearst and Hachette have “finally come to terms on management and on the editorial direction of the magazine,” with Hearst poised to buy the magazine group.

The executive adds that the “big question” in all this is what Hearst would have planned for the American edition of Elle, which also supplies content for the title’s foreign editions.