Dennis Deal Far From Dead

SEXY BEAST Maxim The on-again, off-again sale of Dennis Publishing is on ... again! After balking earlier this summer, sources say British men's magazine mogul Felix Dennis is once more leaning toward selling Maxim, Stuff, and Blender, three of the four titles that make up his U.S. holdings. (The Week, the fourth title, would likely not be part of any deal.) Dennis president Stephen Colvin, after lying dormant through the late summer, is once again in a frenzy of activity, which insiders believe is related to a sale.

Moreover, advertising reps at Dennis were recently told they were required to meet face-to-face with Colvin to review each and every one of the company's accounts. Of course, Colvin's zeal is motivated by more than mere loyalty: Sources say both he and CFO/COO John Lagana own a piece of the company and are eager to cash in. "Both of them would love to retire," says an executive close to the negotiations.