BIDDING BOYS: The sale of Dennis Publishing is moving to the next stage after the latest round of bids came in Tuesday. Sources close to the deal said the Quadrangle Group, which is working with ex-Wenner executive Kent Brownridge, is so far the most serious bidder among the potential buyers, which are said to be mostly private equity firms. Sources said Dennis received three or four offers in the second round of bidding, ranging from $200 million to $220 million, short of the $250 million or more Felix Dennis is said to want for his stable of men's titles. Sources did not name specific parties that made offers in the latest round of bids, but Veronis Suhler Stevenson and Elevation Partners — the private equity firm involving U2 frontman Bono that recently bought a stake in Forbes — have both been said to have taken a look at the company, which includes men's magazines Maxim and Stuff and music monthly Blender. The third and final round of bids is expected in three to four weeks. — Stephanie D. Smith
GREAT TIMING: Bernard Arnault, Tyra Banks, Kate Moss and Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz are now part of a very exclusive club — the 2007 Time 100, the newsweekly's third annual list of the most influential actors, politicians, writers, scientists and designers. Time will unveil the list in its May 4 issue, in which such notables including Harvey Weinstein, Naomi Wolf and Natalie Portman contribute profiles about the honorees. Among the musings, Weinstein writes of Arnault: "He appreciates the power of art to improve and shape every area of our culture, including fashion, business, real estate and politics….I once innocently asked Bernard why he was skipping a formal reception after [John] Galliano's Dior show in Paris. He responded that he had other priorities, the first of which was rushing home to cheer on France in the World Cup." The notables named to the list will gather at a gala in their honor on May 8 at Jazz at Lincoln Center. — S.D.S.
GREAT TIMING: Bernard Arnault, Tyra Banks, Kate Moss and Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz are now part of a very exclusive club — the 2007 Time 100, the newsweekly's third annual list of the most influential actors, politicians, writers, scientists and designers. Time will unveil the list in its May 4 issue, in which such notables including Harvey Weinstein, Naomi Wolf and Natalie Portman contribute profiles about the honorees. Among the musings, Weinstein writes of Arnault: "He appreciates the power of art to improve and shape every area of our culture, including fashion, business, real estate and politics….I once innocently asked Bernard why he was skipping a formal reception after [John] Galliano's Dior show in Paris. He responded that he had other priorities, the first of which was rushing home to cheer on France in the World Cup." The notables named to the list will gather at a gala in their honor on May 8 at Jazz at Lincoln Center. — S.D.S.
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