Elle, the magazine that has helped to shape the tastes and lifestyles of generations of French women, is to be sold to a Czech media group. Lagardère, the publishing and retail conglomerate, said that it had entered into exclusive talks with Czech Media Invest to sell its magazines, which include the French version of Elle. Among the other magazines included in the deal are Femina, also aimed at women, Télé 7 Jours, a television listings guide, and Art & Décoration, which specialises in home improvement.