The Wisden Cricketer magazine joins Sky

The Wisden Cricketer magazine has joined Sky following an agreement by which BSkyB Publications Limited has acquired the title from its former owner, The Wisden Group.

Under Sky's ownership, the monthly magazine will continue to be published under its current name, which will be used under license from the Wisden Group. The current editorial and commercial teams will continue, and the magazine will maintain its commitment to bringing readers comprehensive and in-depth coverage of international and domestic cricket.

The Wisden Cricketer is the world's leading cricket magazine with a monthly circulation of around 35,000. Since its launch in September 2003 it has been edited by John Stern, who will continue in the same role following the magazine's transfer to Sky.

Sky's magazine division, BSkyB Publications Limited, already publishes the UK's highest-circulation customer magazine, Sky the magazine, and recently launched dedicated monthly titles for Sky's premium sports and movies customers. The Wisden Cricketer will continue to be offered as an independent specialist consumer magazine and will continue to be sold on news-stands and by subscription.

Julia Barry, who heads Sky's Magazine Publishing business, said: "We're delighted to announce such a distinguished addition to our business. The magazine has a great team behind it and we intend to support them fully as they continue to deliver the complete cricket magazine."

John Stern, Editor of The Wisden Cricketer, said: "I look forward to working with the team at Sky to maintain The Wisden Cricketer's status as the world's number one cricket magazine and build upon its strength and authority in the specialist market."

Tom Gleeson, CEO of the Wisden Group, said: "We wish John Stern and his team all the best for the future of the magazine within the Sky group. This sale leaves the Wisden Group free to focus on its iconic Wisden Cricketers' Almanack and its associated book publishing business, as well as its dynamically growing electronic businesses, Cricinfo and Hawk-Eye."