Absolute Radio
Absolute Radio began life as Virgin Radio and has changed hands several times.

Bauer Media has acquired Absolute Radio in a deal believed to be worth £25m.

The media company, which houses publications such as Heat and Grazia, already owns a string of radio stations, including Kiss and Magic.

The multi-million-pound deal marks the fifth time Absolute Radio, which evolved out of Virgin Radio, has changed hands.

Absolute Radio was first put up for sale in 2011 by its owners, Times of India, which acquired Virgin Radio for £53m four years earlier.

Absolute Radio's chief excecutive Donnach O'Driscoll said: "Bauer Media UK is a business that really cares about building famous media and entertainment brands and music radio in particular.

"This brand will continue to thrive as part of the Bauer group."

The deal signals further consolidation in the UK radio sector and a strengthening of Bauer's 26.5% share of the UK radio market. It will take the total audience reach for its UK media assets to more than 23m consumers a week.

Earlier this year, Bauer Media acquired Planet Rock, the digital service which includes shows by Alice Cooper and Bernard Doherty, PR to the Rolling Stones.

Paul Keenan, Bauer Media UK CEO, described Absolute Radio as a "complementary music radio business with renowned digital assets", adding that the "acquisition will be an opportunity to learn and share" across the businesses.

Absolute Radio has traditionally played largely guitar driven rock music. Its DJs and presenters include Frank Skinner, Ian Wright and Ronnie Wood.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval.