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The commercial arm of the BBC has expanded its horizons by acquiring travel book publisher Lonely Planet.

In a statement BBC Worldwide said the deal, made for an undisclosed sum, would allow the Lonely Plant brand to grow further, particularly within the digital arena.

Lonely Planet, founded in 1972, publishes around 500 travel titles, including shoestring and specialist activity guides and phrasebooks.

The Australian firm has also had success with its flagship TV series, Lonely Planet Six Degrees. The show, produced for Discovery Networks, is now in its third season and aired in over 100 countries.

Meanwhile the company's travel video website, lonelyplanet.tv, is also receiving some 4.3 million visits per month from those who wish to watch videos posted by both the Lonely Planet and independent travellers.

Under the takeover deal Lonely Planet's global headquarters will remain in Melbourne while its existing chief executive Judy Slayter will also continue to lead the company along with its current management team.

Lonely Planet's founders, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, will also retain a 25 per cent stake in the travel guide firm.

Commenting on the deal they said: "Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group."

They added that the felt BBC Worldwide "would provide a platform true to our vision and values, while allowing us to take the business to the next level".

BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith said: "We are delighted to be announcing this acquisition today.

"Lonely Planet is a highly respected international brand and a global leader in the provision of travel information. This deal fits well with our strategy to create one of the world's leading content businesses, to grow our portfolio of content brands online and to increase our operations in Australia and America," he added.