Tony and Maureen Wheeler have decided to sell Lonely Planet, the much respected source of travel information to BBC Worldwide. CEO John Smith of BBC announced the acquisition today, the 1st day of October.

Known for it's travel guides written in different languages, Lonely Planet also produces the hit TV series Six Degrees. They also run a highly successful website which "receives 4.3 Million visitors a month" and a travel video site dedicated to independent travelers.

The original founders will maintain as shareholders and the current management will stay on with BBC Worldwide.