Nielsen Holdings NV, the television ratings firm is now in exploratory talks to sell its expositions business. This was confirmed by two sources familiar with the transaction.

The company has engaged the services of Credit Suisse to help in the sale of Nielsen Expositions. The subsidiary generated US$183 million revenue in 2012. The division is in the business of producing trade shows and events in the US yearly. The sale is projected to reach US$1 billion. Annually, the company generates about US$100 million in cash flow.

Many interested buyers are private equity buyers such as the Blackstone Group LP, the Carlyle Group LP, KKR & Co as well as Thomas H. Lee and Hellman and Friedman. All the aforementioned fund management groups have existing interests already with the company being placed on sale.

Credit Suisse and Nielsen were sought for comment but did not provide any nor did they confirm this story initially reported by Debtwire.