Crown Sports signs up Sally Gunnell

Crown Sports' subsidiary Crown Content, is acquiring the publishing division of Information Australia, with completion planned for 18 April. In addition, Sally Gunnell is to become a consultant to Crown Sports and will develop a range of healthy living publications with Crown Content. The deal is initally for approximately £6m with £21m payable in January 2002. Information Australia has been a content creator for 20 years for a range of sports leisure and business publications. Its titles include Run Easy by Ron Clarke, Fat and Fibre Counter by Rosemary Stanton. Gunnell is to feature in marketing and assist in the production of a series of books and other information products on health and fitness. She says she is looking forward to her new role: 'My passion for sport and fitness and my growing interest in healthy living fits well with the plans of Crown Sports.' Steve Philpott, chief executive of Crown Sports commented: 'Crown Sports membership base, combined with Sally Gunnell's contribution will enable us to grow the already profitable business we have bought and to offer our members an attractive range of sport, fitness and health publications.'