Exponent Private Equity is in talks to buy Dennis Publishing, which makes The Week along with other titles including Viz.
Sky News reported the group could pay between £150m and £200m for Dennis, and would mark a return to media for Exponent, which previously owned the Radio Times.
The offer would trump a bid from Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT), which is interested in acquiring The Week, MoneyWeek and The Week’s US sister title.
Dennis trustees are believed to be leaning towards Exponent’s offer as it is for the company’s entire portfolio. However, DMGT is exploring its options to put itself back in contention, according to Sky News.