The appointment of bankers to sell the rights to children's characters comes amid leadership transition at BBC's commercial arm.

The BBC's commercial arm is pursuing a sale of its interest in the company behind the global profile of The Teletubbies despite a potential delay to the arrival of its next chief executive. I understand that DC Advisory Partners, a City firm, has been asked to canvas bidders for Ragdoll Worldwide, a joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Anne Wood, the founder of one of the most prolific producers of children's television in Britain. Insiders said that DC was expected to begin approaching potential bidders for at least the BBC Worldwide stake, likely to include The Walt Disney Company, in the coming weeks. In addition to The Teletubbies, Ragdoll Worldwide owns the rights to programming produced by Ragdoll Productions including In The Night Garden and The Adventures of Abney & Teal. The joint venture was established in 2006. BBC Worldwide announced in October that John Smith, its long-serving chief executive, would step down in December and be replaced by Tim Davie, the corporation's director of audio and music.....Read more here: BBC Hires Bankers For Teletubbies Sale