Ginger develops taste for IPO

Radio, TV co. in talks about stock market launch

By ADAM DAWTREY

LONDON -- Ginger Media Group, the radio and TV empire headed by DJ and presenter Chris Evans, is talking to bankers about launching itself onto the stock market within the next year.

According to a report in the Financial Times, Ginger is 18 months ahead of its business plan, which was put together when Evans' TV production company took control of Richard Branson's Virgin Radio two years ago.

Ginger is understood to have reported a revenue increase of 20% to $80 million in the year ended in July. Evans owns 55% of the company, which is valued around $240 million, with Branson and venture capital group Apax Partners each holding 20%.

The company has spoken to several banks, including Goldman Sachs, HSBC Investment Bank and Deutsche Bank about handling the IPO.