Publishing and information provider Thomson is considering the sale of its education unit, a move that could net the company roughly $5bn (€3.9bn).

Thomson is expected to make a decision about the sale this week, according to a source close to the deal. It is looking to shed its Thomson Learning division, which provides course software, specialized content and learning services for businesses, schools, government agencies, to allow the company to focus on its legal, financial and scientific-information businesses.