Emap forecast yesterday that its annual underlying sales will be be flat, despite gains by its UK radio and magazine divisions.

The media group said that continued losses by its French magazine business, which is for sale, are responsible for flat revenues for its year to March 31. The group, which hopes to complete the sale of Emap France by the end of September, said that the French business’s underlying revenue was down 3 per cent.

Radio revenues, excluding the Scottish Radio Holdings acquisition, are expected to be up 1 per cent, beating the market, which is estimated to be down about 7 per cent. Emap radio stations include Magic 105.4 and Kiss 100.

Emap’s UK consumer magazines’ market share rose to 18.5 per cent, from 17.7 per cent. Underlying advertising revenue growth is expected to be about 5 per cent, with a strong performance from Zoo, Closer, Heat and music titles, or 8 per cent including the new Grazia. Ian Griffiths, the finance director, said Emap is to launch more weekly titles.

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