AMSTERDAM, 24/03/07 - Publisher Wolters Kluwer is in exclusive talks with Bridgepoint Capital on the sale of its education division.

Wolters Kluwer on Friday confirmed reports in the UK's Financial Times newspaper that it was in negotiations with Bridgepoint Capital. A takeover sum of 750 to 775 million euros is being discussed with the UK investor, the company said.

Cartel authorities will still have to approve the deal if agreement is reached. It is not clear when the Dutch company expects this.

The education division, which employs 1,450, had 2006 sales of 316 million euros. Wolters Kluwer recently put the division up for sale. In the Netherlands, Wolters-Noordhoff comes under this division.