Inside Scoop on Possible “Art in America” Ownership Change

Tyler has just scooped me on the possible ownership shift at Art in America, a story that broke today in the NY Post. But I’ve got the inside scoop on the venerable magazine, for which I’m a contributing editor.
AiA staffers today attended a meeting about the future of Brant Publications, which bought AiA in 1984. My source for most of the following information is an official spokesperson for the umbrella company, who declined to be identified by name.
The spokesperson said that, contrary to what was indicated by the Post, only part of Brant Publications is in play—the half-stake owned by Peter Brant, who is a “silent partner” with “no operational role.” The spokesperson also indicated that Sandra Brant, his ex-wife, intends to retain ownership of her half-share and remain publisher of AiA, as well as president and CEO of Brant Publications (which has retained Allen & Co. to seek possible buyers for Peter’s share).
Sandy has informed staffers that she remains committed to the magazines (which also include Interview and The Magazine Antiques) and she called this is a good opportunity to grow the company. The operative bywords, she says, are: “Business as usual.”
Darn. And I was hoping that they’d increase freelancers’ rates.
UPDATE: In thinking more about this, I think it’s fair to say that offering a half-stake owned by a “silent partner” might seriously reduce the field of potential buyers, who might prefer to acquire some significant editorial influence in return for their investment. Who knows how this will ultimately play out?