Business publisher and events group Ascential has confirmed plans to list on the stock market in a move that could reportedly value it at more than £800 million.

The firm, which changed its name from Top Right last month, plans to raise £200 million from its initial public offering, which it would use to pay down some of its £400m debt.

Ascential is owned by private equity group Apax and the owner of the Guardian and Observer, Guardian Media Group (GMG).