Herbert Smith Freehills advised on the UK real estate aspects of the sale for Pearson who has owned the FT Group for almost 60 years.

The team advising was led by real estate partner Alice Dockar, assisted by associate Chris Robinson.

Commenting on the transaction, Alice Dockar said: "This is a significant transaction for our client Pearson. As a key player in the developing education sector, Pearson will now be fully focusing on its global education strategy."

Freshfields also advised Pearson and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom advised Nikkei. Financial advisers on the deal included Rothschild Group for Nikkei and Evercore, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Cazenove for Pearson.

The sale is expected to complete at the end of the year.