Key bidders in Ascential break-up quit auction

Reuters exclusively reports key bidders for the auction of Ascential’s consumer data unit drop out. Reuters was first to reveal that the main bidders for the consumer data arm of UK media group Ascential (ASCL.L) walked away from the auction, casting doubt over attempts to break up the 1-billion-pound ($1.29 billion) group. The news knocked 8.8% off Ascential’s share price.