Comunicados de prensa

Cherry Lake Publishing Group Acquires Tilbury House Publishers

May 19, 2022

 

ANN ARBOR, MICH., May 19, 2022.

Contact: benmondloch@mac.com

Cherry Lake Publishing Group (CLPG), an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based educational and children’s book publisher, has acquired Tilbury House Publishers from WordSplice Studio, LLC. Tilbury House Publishers, based in Thomaston, Maine, is known for its award-winning children’s books that explore topics such as cultural diversity, social justice, and the natural world.

Following the May 18 acquisition, Tilbury House Publishers will become an independent imprint of CLPG, and no changes will be made to its current distribution model. Tilbury House titles have been distributed by W.W. Norton, the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned book publishing firm, since 2016. CLPG looks forward to continuing this partnership.

Founded in the 1980s as Harpswell Press, Tilbury House originally published literary and New England regional titles. A children’s list was added in the 1990s and has become the publisher’s primary focus since its 2013 acquisition by WordSplice Studio, LLC, headed by publishing veterans Jonathan Eaton and Tristram Coburn. Tilbury House will remain in Thomaston and Eaton will continue in his role as Publisher. “When looking for a long-term home for our children’s list, we were pleased to find that CLPG shares our passion for creating books that can change children’s lives,” said Eaton. “We believe the team at CLPG will be good stewards and will continue our legacy of publishing books that matter. We are excited to be the newest member of the CLPG family.”

CLPG originated in Mankato, Minn. as an educational publisher. In 2012, it acquired Sleeping Bear Press, a Michigan children’s publisher which started as a regional press in 1994 and moved exclusively into children’s book publishing in 1998. CLPG is committed to its mission of providing books that engage, entertain, educate, and provide opportunities for students and children to explore the world in educational, library, and home settings. It is comprised of six imprints which include decodable books for young readers (Cherry Blossom Press), Hi-Lo books for struggling readers (45th Parallel Press), a wide range of educational titles (Cherry Lake Press), graphic novels (Torch Graphic Press), and picture books and chapter books (Sleeping Bear Press).

“Cherry Lake Publishing Group respects and admires Tilbury House’s mission to change children’s lives through quality books,” said Ben Mondloch, CEO of CLPG. “We are thrilled to be a long-term home for their list of titles, which directly align with our offerings.”

To learn more about CLPG visit cherrylakepublishing.com. To learn more about Tilbury House Publishers, visit tilburyhouse.com.

The Fisher Company, a specialist in international mergers and acquisitions focused on publishing and educational media, represented Tilbury House Publishers in this transaction.


University of Georgia Press Acquires NewSouth Books

May 12, 2022

 

ATHENS, GA., May 12, 2022. The University of Georgia Press, a respected publisher of global scholarship, creative and literary works, and general interest books on the American South, announced today its acquisition of NewSouth Books, effective July 1, 2022.

Based in Montgomery, Alabama, NewSouth Books is an independent trade publisher widely recognized for its focus on Southern culture and history, particularly civil and human rights. NewSouth was launched in 2000 by Suzanne La Rosa and Randall Williams; La Rosa is the company’s publisher, Williams its editor-in-chief.

La Rosa will join UGA Press on July 1. She will publish 8-12 new titles annually under the NewSouth imprint at UGA Press. Williams will continue to edit selected titles and recommend works for acquisition.

“NewSouth Books has always punched above its weight in representing the culturally complex and socially significant Deep South to the world. We are thrilled to honor Randall and Suzanne’s work by becoming the new publishing home for these award-winning, critically important books and are delighted to continue the imprint as part of UGA Press,” said Lisa Bayer, director of UGA Press.

La Rosa said, “NewSouth is proud to align itself with such a distinguished press going forward, one with which we have such excellent compatibility. Our association with the University of Georgia Press will enhance our visibility and expand our reach. We could not imagine a better partner.”

Since its founding in 2000, NewSouth’s books have been recognized by critics and readers for their outstanding writing and strong cultural content. The publisher’s diverse catalog of more than 400 titles reflects strengths in Southern history, politics, African American history and culture, biography/memoir, civil rights, education, essays, and folklore. Notable titles include:

·      American Founders: How People of African Descent Established Freedom in the New World by Christina Proenza-Coles

·      The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance by Frye Gaillard and Cynthia Tucker

·      The Many Lives of Andrew Young by Ernie Suggs

·      Saving America’s Amazon: The Threat to Our Nation’s Most Biodiverse River System by Ben Raines

·      Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America's Revolutionary Era by Mike Bunn

·      In the Name of Emmett Till: How the Children of the Mississippi Freedom Struggle Showed Us Tomorrow by Robert H. Mayer

·      The Tuskegee Airmen, An Illustrated History: 1939-1949 by Joseph Caver, Jerome Ennels, and Daniel Haulman

·      Hugo Black of Alabama: How His Roots and Early Career Shaped the Great Champion of the Constitution by Steve Suitts

“NewSouth has succeeded due to the talented authors who have trusted us with their research and creativity and to the support of our readers,” said Williams. “Both groups will continue to be well served by our alliance with Georgia.”  

The purchase of NewSouth Books was made possible in part by the generous support of the UGA Press Advisory Council and others, including major gifts from Craig and Diana Barrow, Thomas and Catherine Fleetwood, Candace Gilliland, Ellen Hale Jones and Sheffield Hale, and the Wormsloe Foundation.

About the University of Georgia Press

Founded in 1938, the University of Georgia Press supports and enhances the University of Georgia’s place as a major public research institution by publishing outstanding books by scholars and writers throughout the world. The UGA Press is a member of the Association of University Presses. To learn more, visit https://ugapress.org/.

About NewSouth Books

Founded in 2000, NewSouth Books is an independent trade publisher widely recognized for its focus on Southern culture and history, particularly civil and human rights. To learn more, visit http://www.newsouthbooks.com/.

The Fisher Company, a specialist in international mergers and acquisitions focused on publishing and educational media, represented NewSouth Books in this transaction.


Savvas Learning Company Acquires Rubicon Publishing

March 2, 2022

 

PARAMUS, NJ., March 2, 2022. Savvas Learning Company, a leading provider of next-generation learning solutions across all K-12 grade levels and disciplines, announced today its acquisition of Rubicon Publishing, Inc., the developer of Canada’s most widely used all-digital math program.

Headquartered near Toronto, Rubicon is the provider of MathUP, an inquiry-based math program for students in grades K-8 that has become the best-selling online math product in Canada.

“With its hugely popular online math program, MathUP, Rubicon has evolved into a cutting-edge digital learning company that has transformed math education in Canada,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “I look forward to building upon Rubicon’s successes and becoming the solutions provider of choice for educators on both sides of the border.”

“I am very happy and excited that Rubicon is now part of Savvas Learning Company. I have deep respect for Bethlam Forsa, a passionate and innovative publisher who shares my vision of education, and I am confident that she will turn the Savvas-Rubicon company into a powerhouse in the Canadian market and beyond,” said Maggie Goh, who founded Rubicon in 1987.

Since its founding, Rubicon has grown into a company recognized today for its powerful digital solution for math, as well as its diverse catalog of nearly 5,000 titles of engaging K-12 literature (including adaptations and translations) read by students around the world. The beautifully illustrated books combine effective instructional design with captivating content across all curriculum areas. Some of Rubicon’s notable products include:

  • MathUP — Featuring a web-based platform suitable for computers, interactive whiteboards, and mobile devices, this fully-online instructional program builds teachers’ knowledge and understanding, resulting in higher quality math teaching and learning.

  • BoldPrint — With a diverse array of more than 550 beautifully designed books, this supplemental program of focused short readers is proven to be successful supporting any reading program (from basal-reading and language arts to reading intervention and ESL) and improving students’ vocabulary and reading-comprehension skills.

  • Classroom Collections — Offering a variety of imaginative, high-interest readers for students of all grade levels in a range of formats, this line includes Sankofa, a series of books featuring the works of African authors celebrating the Black experience, as well as readers and graphic novels depicting North American indigenous cultures, and titles that explore engaging topics through multiple perspectives of diverse cultures.

  • “The 10” Collection — Featuring a top-10 countdown format, this research-based collection of more than 150 nonfiction titles promotes active reading and critical thinking through inquiry-based learning, while also serving to support STEM programs.

Rubicon’s portfolio complements Savvas Learning Company’s line of next-generation learning solutions that span all K-12 grade levels and disciplines and include research-grounded assessment, supplemental, and intervention programs. The solutions from Savvas are powered by its award-winning Savvas Realize learning management system, the digital home to more than 1,000 engaging, standards-aligned programs. This game-changing platform has helped millions of students learn anytime, anywhere.

“What we love about Savvas is that they share our vision of education. They are deeply committed to producing the highest-quality educational materials that help all learners achieve their full potential,” said Shen Goh, who served as Rubicon’s CEO and is the son of the company’s founder. “Savvas is the perfect fit to take Rubicon to new heights.”

About Savvas Learning Company

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design next-generation learning solutions that help prepare students to become global citizens in a more interconnected, digital world. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company.

About Rubicon

Rubicon Publishing, Inc., is an award-winning K-12 digital learning company and supplemental educational publisher headquartered in Canada. Founded in 1987, Rubicon is a leader in K-12 math, in addition to being Canada’s leading K-12 supplemental reading/language arts publisher. Rubicon is recognized for its broad and diverse catalog of engaging literature for students, the beautiful design of its books, and its innovative, inquiry-based digital solutions for math. To learn more, visit Rubicon.

The Fisher Company, a specialist in international mergers and acquisitions focused on publishing and educational media, represented Rubicon Publishing in this transaction.

See original press release here.


Chicago Review Press Acquires Interlude Press

January 4, 2022

 

CHICAGO, IL., January 4, 2022. Chicago Review Press (CRP), one of the two publishers owned by Independent Publishers Group (IPG), has acquired Novelstream LLC, home of acclaimed LGBTQ+ publisher Interlude Press, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Interlude Press is a boutique publisher of bestselling and award-winning LGBTQ+ fiction. It publishes young adult fiction through its imprint, Duet Books, and has been an IPG distribution partner since 2019.

Founded in 2014 by veterans of publishing, technology and media, its catalog of nearly 100 titles includes bestsellers by authors Julian Winters, C.B. Lee, Julia Ember and F.T. Lukens. Its books have received Lambda Literary, Foreword INDIES, IBPA Benjamin Franklin and Cybils awards, and have been named to annual best books lists from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association’s “Rainbow Book List."

Interlude Press has been featured in the New York Times, O Magazine, National Public Radio and other national media.

“From the start, our mission has been to publish stories of exceptional quality that represent diverse perspectives in the LGBTQ+ community in which the main source of conflict is not related to one’s gender identity or sexual orientation,” said Annie Harper, co-owner and managing editor of Interlude Press, and Candysse Miller, director of marketing and communications. “We’re proud of what Interlude Press has accomplished, and excited for its future as part of Chicago Review Press.”

With the purchase, CRP acquires titles that include bestsellers “Running with Lions,” “Not Your Sidekick” and “Shine of the Ever,” as well as upcoming titles “Book of Dreams;” “Felix Silver, Teaspoons and Witches;” “Born Andromeda” and “Not Your Hero,” the conclusion of C.B. Lee’s bestselling “Sidekick Squad” series.

“I’m thrilled to be adding Interlude Press as a new imprint of Chicago Review Press,” said Cynthia Sherry, group publisher at CRP. “Interlude has a stellar roster of authors and their focus on quality storytelling and commitment to celebrating underrepresented voices meshes well with CRP’s mission. There is a good synergy between Interlude’s list of outstanding adult and young adult LGBTQ+ fiction and our own LGBTQ+ nonfiction list headed by Senior Editor, Jerome Pohlen.”

Pohlen, who acquired CRP’s recent bestseller “Never Silent: Act Up and My Life in Activism” by Peter Staley, will be managing the Interlude Press imprint. CRP also plans to continue working with Interlude Press’s existing network of designers and editors.

The Fisher Company, specialists in international publishing mergers and acquisitions, provided financial consultation on behalf of Interlude Press.

About Independent Publishers Group (IPG)

Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing, and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

About Chicago Review Press

IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. Since 1973 CRP has grown into a dynamic independent publisher with new titles in fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. CRP publishes under a wide range of subjects under several imprints, including Lawrence Hill Books, Amberjack Publishing, Council Oak Books, and Parenting Press.

See original press release here.


Mango Publishing Group Acquires Woo! Jr. Kids Activities LLC

August 3rd, 2021

 

MIAMI, Fl., August 3, 2021. Miami-based Mango Publishing Group today announced the acquisition of Woo! Jr. Kids Activities, a publisher of educational activity books. The acquisition includes Woo! Jr.’s  successful backlist of 19 titles that have sold more than 400,000 copies,  and will become part of Mango’s growing children’s imprint, DragonFruit.

Wendy Piersall, Chicago-based CEO and editor-in-chief of Woo! Jr. Kids Activities will continue to oversee the Woo! Jr. brand, with plans to publish 6-12 books per year. In addition, Piersall will take on the new role of Director of Business Development at Mango, licensing new products and developing new partnerships. 

The acquisition follows a partnership between Mango and Piersall that began during the pandemic when Mango was in the process of developing the DragonFruit imprint. “Our missions and values are very similar—we both put a premium on education, diversity, and activism.  As we started to work together, it became clear that Wendy’s SEO experience would enhance our predictive analytics,” said Mango founder and CEO Chris McKenney. “We’re thrilled that Wendy will be Mango’s first Director of Business Development, where she will impact the entire Mango group.  She’ll also be able to help our team with other evolving publisher partnerships and acquisitions.” Mango’s sales grew by 75% in 2020 and the company aims to continue that pace into 2021.

Piersall developed online success offering educational activities she created to keep her own kids busy and off the screen while she worked at home. With more than 55 million visitors to date downloading activities from her Woo! Jr. site, Piersall began turning them into books and selling them on Amazon.  

“The direct-to-reader focus and international reach of Mango combined with the millions of visitors we get each year on the Woo! Jr. site is a winning combination that will translate into higher international and e-commerce sales,” said Piersall, whose site averaged 3.5 million users over the past 12 months. 

DragonFruit publishes children’s books that celebrate inclusivity, educate, entertain & inspire kids worldwide. “I’m excited that Woo Jr. and DragonFruit will work together to continue sparking children’s creativity and encouraging their development in a myriad of ways,” said M.J. Fievre, Mango’s Director of Global Editions and Juvenile Publishing. A native of Haiti, Fievre says she appreciates what this collaboration means in terms of fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability. “Together, we’re building for the future—we’re capitalizing on our knowledge of analytics and innovation to break down barriers and ensure diverse and inclusive literature is accessible for young readers everywhere.”

The acquisition will increase Woo! Jr’s global reach, access to retail stores in the US market, and wider distribution. The first 11 Woo! Jr. offerings with DragonFruit, set for release in 2021, include a mix of activity books, such as The Cute Book of Kawaii Drawing, The Big Book of Find the Difference, and Positive Thinking Journal, available this winter. 

About Mango Publishing

Mango Publishing™ is an independent book publisher based in Miami, Florida. The company publishes high-quality nonfiction books from fresh and distinct voices that spark new ideas with readers around the world. Mango was named Publisher Weekly’s fastest growing Independent Publisher in both 2019 and 2020.

Mango publishes approximately 120 books every year, with successful imprints such as Franklin Covey, National Baseball Hall of Fame, FIU Business Press, and Conari Press, and author brands including FlavCity, How to Cook That, Dino Dana and The Latest Kate. Bestselling categories include cookbooks, pop culture, science and nature, social justice, LGBTQIA+, parenting, Teen and YA, and childrens books. The company has a print and digital catalog of more than 1000 titles. 

Mango is proud of their forward-thinking ambition, diversity and openness. With a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, the indie publisher marries the science of data analysis with the art of book publishing. Mango is participating in a more sustainable future, including using vegetable-based inks, printing on FSC paper and ensuring ethical and non-wasteful sourcing.

See original press release here.


Chicago Review Press acquires Ripple Grove Press’s Children’s Books

May 3rd, 2021

 

CHICAGO, Ill., May 3, 2021. Chicago Review Press (CRP), one of the two publishers owned by Independent Publishers Group (IPG), has acquired Ripple Grove Press’s entire catalog as a part of CRP’s children’s list, effective May 1, 2021. 

Ripple Grove Press, an award-winning independent, family-run children's book publisher, has been an IPG distribution partner since 2014 for their 16 titles, known for being beautifully designed hardcover picture books. The press began as a labor of love for owners Rob and Amanda Broder, as has been demonstrated throughout their over seven years of publishing work. 

“We started Ripple Grove Press from the ground up,” said the Broders. “We put our heart and soul into each book and our press. We are beyond  grateful for every author and illustrator  that wanted to make a book with us. And after all these years, it’s time to experience a new chapter.” 

Ripple Grove Press expands CRP’s children’s line with bestsellers like Mae and the Moon, Iver & Elsworth, Seb and the Sun, and a forthcoming book titled Ripple Grove by Rob Broder and illustrated by Melissa Larson set to release in 2022. They join Fulcrum Publishing, Amberjack and Council Oak Books as recent additions to CRP’s lines, highlighting the best in independent publishing across categories. 

“Ripple Grove Press has produced some of the most beautiful and tenderhearted children’s picture books and I’m proud to be adding them to our children’s list,” said Cynthia Sherry, group publisher for Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. “The splendid illustrations and quietly powerful stories of friendship and compassionate interaction with people and the environment in Seb and the SunIver & EllsworthA Girl Named October, and The Full House and the Empty House are just what the world needs right now and they make the most calming bedtime stories.” 

The Fisher Company, specialists in international publishing mergers and acquisitions, initiated the deal with CRP, while also providing financial consultation and assisting in negotiations on behalf of Ripple Grove Press.  

About Independent Publishers Group (IPG)

Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.


Turner Publishing Company acquires Prospect Park Books

January 31st, 2021

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., January 31, 2021. Turner Publishing Company announced today its acquisition of Prospect Park Books of Altadena, California. The acquisition, effective January 31, 2021, comprises more than 100 existing titles and approximately 11 titles in the process of being published. Turner is purchasing the assets of the company, including the titles, inventory, the name, and other intellectual property.

Turner plans to maintain the Prospect Park Books and Tiger Van imprints and will continue to publish the books under those imprints. Todd Bottorff, President and Publisher at Turner, commented, “Colleen has done impressive work building a great list of award-winning, beautifully written and designed books. We are honored that she would choose Turner to carry her publishing program forward.” Colleen Dunn Bates, Owner, President, and Publisher of Prospect said, “Each of my books and authors is precious to me, so finding just the right home was essential—and Turner is exactly the home I’d hoped to find.”

Prospect Park Books was distributed by Consortium Book Sales, an Ingram Content Group Company. Turner is distributed by Ingram Publisher Services, so distribution will move from one Ingram book distribution company to the other.

The Fisher Company, specialists in international publishing mergers and acquisitions, initiated the transaction, provided financial consultation, and assisted in negotiations on behalf of Prospect Park Books. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Turner Publishing Company

Founded in 1985, Turner Publishing Company is an award-winning independent publisher based in Nashville, Tennessee, that currently publishes more than 5,000 titles. It has been named five times to Publishers Weekly's Fastest Growing Publishers List. http://turnerpublishing.com

Contact: Lauren Ash, Turner Publishing, marketing@turnerpublishing.com

SOURCE Turner Publishing


Toynbee Editorial Services Ltd acquires
5m Publishing

July 31st, 2020

 

Jeremy Toynbee of Toynbee Editorial Services Ltd acquired the title assets of the 5m Publishing book list from Benchmark Holdings plc with effect from 31 July 2020 and is delighted to announce the formation of a new, independently owned publisher – 5m Books Ltd.

Continuity
5m Books Ltd will continue the excellent work of the 5m book list and looks forward to working closely with its authors and acquired partners in print, sales and distribution.

A key component of any business is its people and we are thrilled that the central team of commissioning editors, Nigel Balmforth and Sarah Hulbert, editorial manager, Alessandro Pasini, and production manager, Jeremy Toynbee, will all have a role in the new business.

Development
5m Books Ltd will build on the strong backlist with new publications in its targeted areas, and will look to develop new markets with stronger and wider sales.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Benchmark Holdings plc.

See original posting here:
5m Publishing


Welbeck Publishing Group acquires Eddison Books

June 9th, 2020

 

Welbeck Publishing Group (Welbeck) today announces that it has bought the assets of mind, body and spirit publisher, Eddison Books for an undisclosed sum from The Fisher Company.

Welbeck is working with Eddison’s authors and publishing partners around the world to fulfil the 2020 publishing programme. The 2021 publishing programme will be published under Welbeck’s imprints.

Marcus Leaver, Executive Director, commented:

“Mark and I have admired from afar the product that Eddison has made over the years. This deal gives us the opportunity to expand Welbeck’s publishing in a new category that complements our existing publishing.”

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Eddison Books.

See additional articles here:
The Bookseller
Publishers Lunch


Global Ag Media acquires Leading International Ag News Websites

May 29th, 2020

 

5m Publishing, currently a Benchmark Holdings company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of many of its leading online international news and information sites by Global Ag Media.

In total, Global Ag Media have acquired nine sites, including The Poultry Site and The Pig Site (see full list of sites acquired below). Established in 1999 to 2000, The Pig Site and The Poultry Site’s readership and usage have grown steadily in recent years, and many of the acquired sites are now the go-to source of information for their respective agriculture industry sectors.

“We are eager to build on the newly designed platforms for The Pig Site and The Poultry Site,” said Sarah Mikesell of Global Ag Media. “We see significant growth and development opportunities for The Cattle Site and the Spanish language sites with plans underway to advance news and content as well as marketing options for sponsors.”

Nigel Balmforth, Head of Publishing within Benchmark’s Knowledge Services Division added: “We are delighted that the websites have moved to Global Ag Media, who will facilitate the further evolution of the sites, while maintaining their industry-leading position of providing independent news and features of cutting-edge importance for global agriculture.”

5m news and information sites acquired by Global Ag Media:
The Poultry Site
The Pig Site
El Sitio Avicola
El Sitio Porcino
The Cattle Site
The Dairy Site
The Beef Site
The Meat Site
The Crop Site

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of 5m Publishing.

See the original post here:
Leading international ag news websites acquired by Global Ag Media


Hatch Blue acquires The Fish Site from 5m Publishing

May 4th, 2020

 

The Fish Site has been acquired by Hatch Blue, the world’s first sustainable aquaculture accelerator.

Founded by 5m Publishing, which is currently a Benchmark Holdings company, The Fish Site has grown steadily in recent years to become the most visited English language aquaculture news website in Q1 2020.

Georg Baunach, Hatch Blue’s managing partner, says: “We have been daily readers of The Fish Site for several years and have been impressed with its global and relevant content. Its focus on innovation and sustainable aquaculture, combined with its large international readership, makes The Fish Site an exciting addition to the Hatch Blue group. We are delighted to be able to support the evolution of The Fish Site as it continues to publish high-quality, independent news and features about the global aquaculture industry.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Rob Fletcher, senior editor at The Fish Site, said: “I’m very grateful to Benchmark for giving me the opportunity to lead the development of the site over the course of the last three years. In terms of both the quality of the content and the rising readership numbers, we’ve made a great deal of progress and I’d like to thank all my colleagues at 5m Publishing who’ve helped to make this happen.

“I am, however, very pleased that the site has been acquired by Hatch, as I feel their vision for the sustainable evolution of global aquaculture fits perfectly with the goals of The Fish Site. I look forward to working with a new team as we bid to ensure the site remains among the most popular aquaculture resources in the world.”

Nigel Balmforth, head of aquaculture product development within Benchmark Knowledge Services added: “We are delighted that The Fish Site has moved to Hatch, whose work facilitating the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry capable of meeting global demand is of great importance to the world today”.

James Banfield, managing director of 5m, added: “We are delighted to complete this agreement with Hatch Blue and see The Fish Site move into its next stage of growth as one of the strongest and fastest growing English language aquaculture sites in the world.”

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of 5m Publishing.

See the original post here:
The dawn of a new, blue era for The Fish Site


Penguin Random House South Africa acquires LAPA Publishers

February 19th, 2020

 

Penguin Random House South Africa, a division of Penguin Random House and the largest English language publisher in South Africa, today announced its purchase of LAPA Publishers, the country’s largest Afrikaans-language publisher, from the ATKV. LAPA will become part of Penguin Random House South Africa, retaining its name and identity, leadership, publishing direction, and staff. The acquisition will enable Penguin Random House South Africa to increase its domestic market share and position and to strengthen the reach and diversity of its publishing programs and titles for readers nationwide. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction will be finalised by the end of February 2020 subject to the meeting of all conditions.

The acquisition agreement was announced by Steve Connolly, Chief Executive Officer, Penguin Random House South Africa, and Sonél Brits managing director of the ATKV-MSW.

Penguin Random House South Africa and LAPA both publish original adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction in hardcover, paperback and digital editions. LAPA’s imprints will complement those of Penguin Random House South Africa. LAPA publishes just over 200 titles annually, and the combined company expects to release more than 350 print books a year.

Penguin Random House South Africa’s widely admired roster of bestselling and critically acclaimed local and international authors include Michelle Obama, Yuval Noah Harari, James Patterson, Roald Dahl, Malcolm Gladwell, Margaret Atwood, Jamie Oliver and Jo Jo Moyes, with Pieter-Louis Myburgh, Lauren Beukes, Fred Khumalo, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Marguerite Poland, Max du Preez and Sally Andrew. They will be joined by such admired and widely read LAPA authors as Marita van der Vyver, Sophia Kapp, Irma Joubert, Chanette Paul, Fanie Viljoen, Jaco Jacobs, Wendy Maartens, James-Brent Styan, Riana Scheepers and Armand Aucamp.

Steve Connolly, CEO of Penguin Random House South Africa said: “We are very excited to be working with the team at LAPA. They have terrific publishing programmes, an excellent growth record, and a strong presence in the Afrikaans children’s and fiction markets. We have long been impressed by their talent, professionalism and ambition, and believe our two businesses will learn a lot from each other. I fully expect that we will see an exciting exchange of ideas and a passionate collective energy in the consolidated business, to drive forward the highest-quality publishing standards and growth mind-set that we all share. The businesses will continue to maintain their current focus and will remain operating as they are, with the possibility of some systems harmonisation. The LAPA management team have shown an impressive and successful ability to grow and we intend to help them to grow even further.”

Sonél Brits, managing director of the ATKV-MSW, says the ATKV views the acquisition as an excellent opportunity to promote Afrikaans writers and their work. “It will significantly increase Afrikaans writers’ footprint and will afford them international exposure and opportunity. We trust that LAPA Publishers will only go from strength to strength in the impressive stable of Penguin Random House South Africa.”

Sylvia de Wet, CEO of LAPA commented: “This development holds huge promise for LAPA and our authors. We are delighted to join Penguin Random House South Africa and to become part of their parent company, the international book-publishing standard-bearer. Through Penguin Random House we will gain access to valuable platforms and resources, while retaining our corporate name and identity as the biggest Afrikaans publisher and market leader. LAPA’s business core remains intact and we’ll continue to preserve and protect our integrity while integrating with a publishing brand whose cultural pre-eminence, commercial success, and support for its authors are known and respected across the world. We are looking forward to an extremely promising future together!”

Penguin Random House South Africa has been trade publisher of the year in 2016, 2017 and 2019 and has been awarded the Sunday Times annual fiction prize for the past six years.

Penguin Random House is the world’s largest trade book publisher, with market-leading English-language companies in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India. In addition to its Spanish-language publishing with its Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial divisions in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile, Penguin Random House publishes works in German and Portuguese through its Verlagsgruppe Random House and Companhia da Letras sister companies in Germany and Brazil respectively; Catalan in Spain; Hindi in India; and Afrikaans in South Africa.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Penguin Random House South Africa.

See the original post here:
Penguin Random House South Africa


Diversified Communications acquires Aquaculture UK from 5m Publishing

February 7th, 2020

 

Diversified Communications announced today the acquisition of Aquaculture UK – the UK’s leading trade show dedicated to the growing aquatic food sector.

Aquaculture UK has grown rapidly in recent years and has become established as the must-attend event for the industry. The last edition of the biennial show, held in Aviemore, Scotland, in May 2018, had over 2,400 visitors and 190 exhibitors. The upcoming edition, to be held May 19-21, 2020 at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort in Scotland, is expected to draw over 3,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors.

Commenting on the news, Diversified UK’s MD Carsten Holm says: “It’s great to be welcoming Aquaculture UK to Diversified Communications. We have been watching the growing success of the event and believe that its focus and subject matter complement our already substantial international presence in the sector extremely well. We also feel that the sense of community, customer focus, long-term vision and attention to detail, is very similar to how we approach our events.”

James Banfield, Managing Director of 5m, agrees: “Aquaculture UK’s success reflects the increasing importance and rapid growth of our industry, not just in the UK but internationally. We are delighted to hand over the reins to Diversified. They share our culture, work ethos and ways of doing things and have a deep understanding of the sector. I am confident that the new management can provide the support and structure needed to continue to grow Aquaculture UK in the years to come. It feels like the perfect home for the event and a natural development, which will ensure the show continues to fulfill its potential and role as the leading forum for the UK’s aquaculture industry.”

Diversified is committed to the broader aquatic industry. Their industry-leading, international event and publishing portfolio already includes Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Asia, International Workboat Show, Pacific Marine Expo, National Fisherman, Seafood Source, and Fish e-News, run by the Diversified U.S. division, and Ocean Business, run by the Diversified UK division.

“Aquaculture UK is an exciting development for our award-wining UK division as it continues to grow and strengthen its position as one of the most successful tradeshow organizers in the UK,” remarks Diversified’s President & CEO, Theodore Wirth. “They now employ over 120 staff who are experts at providing their customers with industry insights and business opportunities while facilitating innovation and economic sustainability within the industries they serve. I look forward to seeing their positive influence on this event and the aquatic food industry.”

To ensure continuity for exhibitors and visitors, the 5m team will remain involved and work with Diversified through the 2020 edition of Aquaculture, taking place on the 19 – 21 May 2020 at the Macdonald Resort, Aviemore.

To learn more about the trade show visit www.aquacultureuk.com.

About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of 5m Publishing, a division of Benchmark Holdings plc.

Additional news articles:

Benchmark PLC
Diversified Communications
SeafoodSource


Bradt Travel Guides acquires Footprint Travel Guides

November 6th, 2019

 

Bradt Travel Guides has completed the purchase of Footprint Travel Guides from Compass Maps Ltd. The agreement includes all the Footprint Handbooks and Focus Guides. Distribution of the Footprint guides remains with GBS, who already distribute for Bradt.

Adrian Phillips, MD of Bradt Travel Guides, said: “We’re delighted to be adding the Footprint titles to our list of high-quality guides. The Footprint list complements our own, giving us access to content and expertise on a number of destinations – notably in Europe and Latin America – that aren’t currently covered by Bradt guides. This is a move that will allow us to continue the growth we have seen over the last few years, and further reinforce Bradt’s position as the UK’s largest independent publisher of travel guides.”

John Sadler, MD of Compass Maps, said: “We’re very pleased to have found such an excellent new home for Footprint. The content is a superb fit with Bradt’s existing list and we wish Bradt every success in the future”.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Footprint Travel Guides.

About Bradt Travel Guides:
Founded in 1974, Bradt is now the largest independently owned travel guide publisher in the UK, with more than 200 titles currently in print, over half of which have no direct competition from other guide book lists. The company has won many awards, including gold in the Top Guide Book Series category at the 2018 and 2019 Wanderlust awards. Over the last few years it has been a standout performer among the leading guide book publishers, enjoying consistent and impressive sales growth in a challenging sector.

About Footprint Travel Guides:
Since publishing the first South American Handbook in 1924, Footprint have been known as a Latin American and Caribbean travel expert. Footprint provides quality, curated information for independent-minded and adventurous travellers.

Additional news articles:
Bradt Travel Guides buys Footprint


IPG’S Chicago Review Press Acquires Amberjack Publishing

September 17th, 2019

 

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Review Press (CRP, www.chicagoreviewpress.com) one of the two publishers owned by Independent Publishers Group (IPG, www.ipgbook.com), has acquired Amberjack Publishing (www.amberjackpublishing.com). The acquisition went into effect on September 13, 2019.

Amberjack will be an imprint of Chicago Review Press and headed by Group Publisher Cynthia Sherry. CRP will retain Amberjack staffers Cherrita Lee for editorial and Jana Good for marketing and publicity efforts of the forthcoming titles in the imprint.

“As one of the first Amberjack employees, I couldn’t have hoped for a better match than Chicago Review Press – our shared dedication to caring for authors and showcasing new voices paves the way for a phenomenal future,” said Lee.

Amberjack Publishing of Eagle, Idaho was founded in 2014 with a goal of publishing literature and nonfiction that is vital and transformational to its readers. Over the years, more and more great voices have been added to the publishing program, and the publisher now has 63 active titles in print with another dozen new titles releasing over the next year. In January of 2019, Amberjack partnered with Independent Publishers Group for distribution.

“We have great authors and amazing stories, so continuing Amberjack’s efforts with IPG and Chicago Review Press just seems like a great fit,” said Justin Mitson, current Publishing Director for Amberjack.

Amberjack’s adult literature spans a wide range of genres and includes the well-reviewed backlist titles I Am Yours by Reema Zaman, Fallen Mountains by Kimi Cunningham Grant and the recently published book on sexual empowerment for women, Girl Boner by August McLaughlin. Forthcoming fall titles include The Hanged Man and the Fortune Teller by Lucy Banks and There You Are by Mathea Morais, which recently received a starred review from Kirkus.

Amberjack also has a number of award-winning young adult and middle grade titles, including Eric Bower’s Baron series and the Dewey Fairchild series, which both have new titles on the Fall 2019 list. Notable young adult titles include Kirkus-starred The Art of Escaping by Erin Callahan and Beau & Bett by Kathryn Berla.

“I’ve been a great admirer of Amberjack’s list starting with Girl Boner last year. I love their emphasis on telling women’s stories in their own voices, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction,” said Sherry. “I’m excited to be working with such talented authors on their upcoming books – Parnaz Foutan on her memoir Home Is a Stranger, and Emma Woolf with her soon-to-be released novel The Years After You. I’m proud to be carrying forward Amberjack’s vision.”

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Amberjack Publishing.

Additional news articles:
Publishers Weekly
Shelf Awareness


Little Bee Books Purchased by Founding Executives

January 15th, 2019

 

Little Bee Books, formerly a division of Bonnier Books, has been purchased by founding executive management, CEO Shimul Tolia and CFO Thomas Morgan, for an undisclosed amount.

In business for five years, Little Bee Books was launched by Tolia and Morgan in 2014 as a children’s publishing startup for Bonnier Books in the United States. In 2018, Swedish-based parent company Bonnier Books, a division of Bonnier AB, began a strategic process to consolidate resources and their publishing businesses.

With standout titles such as the Roots of Rap and the Caldecott and Coretta Scott King honoree Freedom in Congo Square, exceptional licensed publishing programs including Crayola and bilingual Disney books, and a groundbreaking publishing partnership with GLAAD, what was once a small startup has grown into a thriving young business.

“It is with great pride and gratitude that we are undertaking this purchase of Little Bee Books—pride in the incredible effort and creativity that has come from a small startup just five years ago, and gratitude to all of those who helped bring our books to life from Bonnier to all of our staff, past and current,” says CEO Shimul Tolia.

“We look forward to taking our business to the next level while remaining steadfast in our purpose: inspiring, empowering, and entertaining readers,” says Thomas Morgan, CFO.

“Bonnier is thrilled to let Little Bee Books grow further under the wings of its founding executives. We have no doubt that their continued commitment will ensure a bright and successful future for the company,” said Magnus Brundin, Director of Corporate Development of Bonnier Books.

The publisher will continue to publish under three imprints: Little Bee Books, under which all board books, picture books, and early chapter books will live; BuzzPop, which will continue to house licensed and media tie-ins, as well as pop-culture titles; and Yellow Jacket, a middle grade imprint which launched in summer 2018 and produces a diverse range of stories for readers ages 8-14.

The home office and its current personnel will remain unchanged at 251 Park Avenue South, New York City. Little Bee Books will continue to be distributed by Simon & Schuster.

About Little Bee Books: Little Bee Books is a children’s book publisher dedicated to making high-quality, creative, and fun books for busy little bees ages 0 through 12, offering an inspired selection of early learning concept books, board books, novelty books, activity books, picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, gift sets, and more. For more information please visit littlebeebooks.com.

About BuzzPop: BuzzPop, an imprint of Little Bee Books, is a media and licensing publisher designed to bring the very best of pop culture, favorite brands, and media tie-ins to fans of all ages. With a list including bilingual Disney books, a full line of Smooshy Mushy titles, and Crayola coloring and activity books, as well as publishing programs featuring boundary-breaking social media influencers such as JoJo Siwa and Karina Garcia, BuzzPop is devoted to creating empowering and diverse books for everyone. For more information please visit buzzpopbooks.com.

About Yellow Jacket: Yellow Jacket, an imprint of Little Bee Books, is a middle-grade publisher of series and standalone titles for ages 8 through 14, covering an array of genres including humor, historical fiction, magical realism, coming-of-age stories, graphic novels, and much more. For more information please visit yellowjacketreads.com.

Bonnier is a media group working in TV, daily newspapers, business and trade press, magazines, film, books and digital media. With a base in the Nordic region and a substantial presence in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and Eastern Europe, Bonnier has operations in 14 countries around the world and over 9,000 employees. Bonnier has been publishing high-quality media products since its start in 1804. The company has always combined a commitment to freedom of speech with a business focus. The company is wholly owned by the Bonnier family, which has been running it for seven generations.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Bonnier.

Additional news articles:
Publishers Weekly
The Bookseller
Shelf Awareness
Publishers Lunch


Fox Chapel acquires Old Pond Publishing

December 6th, 2018

 

From Publishers Weekly

“Fox Chapel Publishing, an independent publisher of books and magazines for craftspeople, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, has acquired Old Pond Publishing, a U.K. house specializing in titles on agriculture, machinery, and animal husbandry.

Fox Chapel, which is based in East Petersburg, Pa., closed the acquisition in late October. Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd., Fox Chapels’ U.K.-based branch, will manage the Old Pond imprint. U.S. sales and distribution will be handled by Two Rivers Distribution, an Ingram company.

Old Pond Publishing was founded in 1997 in Sheffield, England. The house has a backlist of about 230 books and 30 DVDs on farming, forestry, earth-moving and heavy transport, and current events in agriculture. The house also publishes educational titles for children on small farming and animal husbandry.

Fox Chapel Publishing president Alan Giagnocavo said “Old Pond has a well-deserved reputation for creating very useable, high-quality books for farmers, smallholders, and machinery aficionados. Our mission is to strengthen the Old Pond brand and use our resources to elevate its books and products.”

A few Old Pond titles have been distributed in the U.S. by IPG and Fox Chapel plans to expand the number of books available in the States.”

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Old Pond Publishing.

Insight Editions acquires Weldon Owen

August 14th, 2018

 

Bonnier Publishing (USA and UK) are pleased to announce that Weldon Owen has been acquired by Weldon Owen International which is a recently formed subsidiary of Insight Editions in San Rafael, California.

Weldon Owen was founded by John Owen and Kevin Weldon in 1984 and was sold to Bonnier in 2006. John Owen says he is thrilled to be re-associated with the publishing company he founded and is excited to be working again with this list. He will be responsible for heading up the children’s division. The main business is located in San Francisco.

Roger Shaw will remain president of Weldon Owen and will work with Michael Madden CEO, who is moving over from Insight Editions.

Raoul Goff, the chairman of Insight Editions, commented that the company has plans to grow the list rapidly especially in the co-edition markets.

Magnus Brundin from Bonnier Books says that the sale follows a strategic review by Bonnier Books in 2017, and he is sure the imprints will be very well taken care of under Weldon Owen International.

Bonnier is a media group working in TV, daily newspapers, business and trade press, magazines, film, books and digital media. With a base in the Nordic region and a substantial presence in the US, Germany, the UK, and Eastern Europe, Bonnier has operations in 14 countries around the world and over 9,000 employees. Bonnier has been publishing high-quality media products since its start in 1804. The company has always combined a commitment to freedom of speech with a business focus. The company is wholly owned by the Bonnier family, which has been running it for seven generations.

The Fisher Company acted on behalf of Bonnier AB.

Additional news articles:
PW Daily
Shelf Awareness
The Bookseller


Turner Publishing Company acquires Gürze Books

April 2nd, 2018

 

Gürze Books, the industry’s leading publisher of trade books on eating disorders, has been acquired by Turner Publishing Company of Nashville, TN. “We are thrilled to add such a highly-respected imprint and expect to release more titles in this important genre,” said Turner president and publisher, Todd Bottorff.

Gürze Books was founded in 1980 by Lindsey Hall and Leigh Cohn, authors of the first book ever published about bulimia, who have received numerous awards for distinguished service to the field of eating disorders. Notable titles include Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnston, The Rules of “Normal” Eating by Karen R. Koenig, and “The Big Book” of Eating Disorders Anonymous.

Turner Publishing Company has been named five times to Publisher Weekly’s Fastest Growing Publishers List (turnerpublishing.com).

Both companies are distributed by Ingram Publisher Services, which will make a seamless transition for Gürze’s customers.


EG Media Investments acquires Hobby Farms, Chickens, Horse Illustrated, and Young Rider from Lumina Media LLC

December 18th, 2017

 

EG Media investments of Raleigh, North Carolina, is pleased to announce the purchase of four upscale lifestyle magazines in both print and digital format from Lumina Media LLC.

Hobby Farms is about living the rural life, growing healthy food, keeping farm animals healthy and maintaining a sustainable farm, even for city dwellers. It includes do-it-yourself guides and tips from other small-scale farmers to provide the inspiration and support a hobby farmer needs to start a farm project from scratch.

Chickens is for poultry lovers from the city, suburbs or in the country, helping them raise healthy flocks, harvest eggs, and manage coops and other chicken-related equipment.

Horse Illustrated and its digital counterpart HorseChannel.com gives user-friendly advice for all equestrians. Both print edition and digital platform includes essential horse health and care, illustrated breed profiles, equestrian style, travel, and products.

Young Rider is the only magazine of its kind, written specifically for horse-crazy tweens and teens ages 8-15. For more than 20 years, it’s delivered a fun-filled mixture of English and Western riding instruction, horse care tips, contests, color posters and stories about kids and their horses.

The transaction was initiated and brokered by The Fisher Company, a specialist in international publishing and media transactions.


Remedia Publications acquires Garlic Press

November 30th, 2017

 

Remedia Publications is excited to announce the acquisition of Garlic Press, an educational publishing company that has been committed to producing quality content for children since 1974.

Garlic Press titles focus on mathematics, sign language, English, and literature, and are for students of all ages. They are non-nonsense and straightforward, intended to teach mastery through practice. The titles are targeted for on-level students, homeschoolers, older learners needing to refresh skills, and progressive self-learners, and the majority are not identified by grade level.

Sign language titles are for infants through adults, hearing and deaf, and come in books and manipulatives such as flash cards.

All titles are created by educators for teachers to use in the classroom and for parents to use at home, and are written, illustrated, designed and printed in the United States.

For forty years, Remedia Publications has offered supplemental high-interest/low readability materials to special education and regular education teachers. The family-owned company is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.


Lumina Media LLC sells Petcha.com and Reptiles

August, 2017

 

Lumina Media LLC sold Petcha.com and Reptiles print and digital magazine to an undisclosed purchaser.

Petcha is the industry’s first and only all-inclusive community and interactive pet search site to include pets from breeders, rescue and shelter organizations. Petcha.com also features pet care support tools for the entire life of the pet, as well as breeder, rescue and shelter business profiles, plus social sharing features and Yelp-like ratings and reviews so consumers can make informed decisions about where they want to acquire their pet. Petcha is the number two pet search site, ranked by unique visitors in the U.S., according to comScore.

Petcha.com’s database of available pets—the most comprehensive anywhere—allows pet lovers to find a pet their way with advanced features and filtering capabilities, including the ability to filter results by organization category, type of pet, gender, breed, size, coat/eye color, tail type, coat length, age, and energy level.

Reptiles is geared to help reptile enthusiasts focus on making wise choices in selecting and safely caring for snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, frogs, and other amphibians. The magazine eliminates some of the myths that surround certain pet reptiles as it educates readers. The website includes a forum, a listing of pets for sale, shows and other events, contests, and helpful guides for amateur herpetologists.

Lumina Media is a leading media technology company that creates content focusing on lifestyle experiences for avid enthusiasts and informed specialty audiences.


Berrett-Koehler Publishers acquires Management Concepts Press

July 27th, 2017

 

Berrett-Koehler Publishers, a publisher of progressive books on current affairs, personal growth, and business and management is excited to announce the acquisition of Management Concepts Press. The sale went into effect July 1, 2017 and enables both organizations to focus on core mission priorities—Management Concepts continues to grow as a training and consulting solutions provider, and Berrett-Koehler bolsters its catalog of high-quality, impactful books.

Now owned and maintained by Berrett-Koehler, the Management Concepts Press catalog of over 125 titles features work by highly regarded experts on a variety of topics, including:

• Project management
• Federal acquisition and contracting
• Federal financial management
• Leadership
• Public administration

“This purchase is a natural fit with our existing catalog and our company’s mission, while helping us to expand our publishing program in several major areas,” said Berrett-Koehler founder and president, Steven Piersanti. “Our books enable positive change for individuals, organizations, and communities.”

Berrett-Koehler Publishers is a leading independent publisher of progressive books on current affairs, personal growth, and business and management. Berrett-Koehler pursues its mission of connecting people and ideas to create a world that works for all by publishing groundbreaking books (with over 600 in print) that promote positive change at all levels – individual, organizational, and societal.

Management Concepts is the nation’s premier provider of professional development, performance improvement, and human capital solutions for the public sector. Since 1973, they collaborated with and supported every major agency in the Federal government, thousands of state and local government offices, numerous non-profit organizations and universities, and hundreds of corporations; unleashing the potential of more than one million individuals and enhancing the performance of teams and organizations.


Kenilworth Media, Inc. acquires Veterinary Practice News from Lumina Media LLC

May 24th, 2017

 

Kenilworth Media, Inc. of Richmond Hill, Ont., has acquired Veterinary Practice News (VPN) from Lumina Media LLC of Irvine, Calif. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Veterinary Practice News is published monthly and is dedicated to informing U.S. veterinarians about industry trends, best practices and new products as it relates to practice management, small animal and equine care, Veterinary Practice News is a BPA Worldwide audited publication, reaching 57,000 practicing veterinarians, technicians, managers and others allied to the animal health care field.

The purchase deal also includes the website, veterinarypracticenews.com, which like the publication, provides comprehensive and timely coverage of industry news and new products, highlights successful veterinary practices and practitioners, provides fresh and objective coverage of issues, trends and events, and serves as an open forum for discussing controversial topics including new profit centres and best practices.

In announcing the acquisition, Kenilworth Group Publisher/CEO Erik Tolles said, “We are pleased to welcome Veterinary Practice News into the Kenilworth family. This is a perfect fit for us, reflecting the diversity of our product portfolio. Readers and advertisers can expect the same level of quality and service they have come to expect from VPN and I am excited key members of the VPN sales and editorial teams will be working with us as we position the magazine for continued growth and expansion in the veterinary market.”

Kenilworth’s magazines represent a diverse cross-section of some of North America’s leading sectors, including signage, franchising, jewelry, and backyard leisure living. Their business-to-business publications offer in-depth editorial analysis, celebrate the movers and shakers, and offer frank commentary on key industry issues.


Unicorn Publishing Group gains Don Linn as New Partner

May 16th, 2017

 

Unicorn Publishing Group (UPG) is pleased to announce that due to substantial growth in the previous eighteen months, Don Linn has joined the company as a full partner and will be based in Unicorn’s new office in Chicago to drive the business forward in the US and Canada.

Don Linn, previously Owner/Chief Executive Officer, Consortium Book Sales & Distribution, Inc. and Director of The University of Chicago Press’ Chicago Distribution Center, has a wealth of publishing, sales and distribution experience and will be actively working with various galleries, museums, artists, historians and others across North America on new publishing projects. These projects will be designed to have global sales appeal for the English language book market and will be sold and distributed by the UPG sales and marketing team.

UPG Chairman, Lord Strathcarron, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to expand in North America and beyond. Don has a wonderful track record and we welcome him into the Group most enthusiastically.”
Don Linn stated, “Unicorn has experienced outstanding growth because of its extraordinary team who are not only talented and energetic professionals but also great people to work with. I’m proud to be a part of the Group and look forward to expanding UPG’s publishing program.”

Unicorn Publishing Group LLP was founded by a small team of professional publishers having come together from various major publishing houses. The company evolved into the present organisation four years ago and is now a leading independent publisher of fine art monographs, catalogues and social, military and cultural history titles. UPG works with major branded institutions and organisations around the world, publishing and selling branded titles for these groups.

The group consists of three distinct businesses:
• Unicorn – Art, Culture, Cultural History, illustrated publishing
• Uniform – Military History, History, Historical biography, illustrated publishing
• Unicorn Sales & Distribution – a small sales and distribution business offering an exclusive global sales and distribution service to publishing lists that fit in with the aims and aspirations of UPG


Belvoir Media Group acquires Catster and Dogster from Lumina Media LLC

April 25th, 2017

 

Belvoir Media Group acquired Catster and Dogster magazines from Lumina Media LLC.

Catster and Dogster magazines are the ultimate resources for all things cats and dogs. Subscribers connect with experts for insights, trends and the latest pet products. Many of the subscribers to these magazines are loyal multi-pet owners, with household incomes over $50,000, they own their primary residence and are predominately direct mail respondent.

Both titles fit well with the long list of publishing and pet related publications Belvoir owns, including CatWatch Newsletter, DogWatch Newsletter, Whole Dog Journal, and Pet Masterfile. They also own MaryJanesFarms Magazine, Kitplanes Magazine, Aviation Consumer Newsletter, Practical Sailor Newsletter, and many more.

Belvoir Media Group is a leading provider of reader-focused, content-driven periodicals, books, and digital media. Belvoir Media Group serves a wide spectrum of active and involved readers whose interests range from flying and sailing to pet owning, and organic living. Providing expert and unbiased insight, each Belvoir enthusiast publication and website is a trusted resource for a loyal and passionate readership.


Fox Chapel acquires Lumina Books Division

December 30th, 2016

 

Fox Chapel Publishing has acquired the books division of Lumina Media, including 330 print books and 440 e-books focusing on animals, pet care, home gardening, farming, and rural life. The publisher will launch a new imprint, CompanionHouse Press, to market the new line.

“This acquisition supports our continuing strategy of becoming a leader in special interest publishing,” Fox Chapel president Alan Giagnocavo said in a statement.

Fox Chapel specializes in illustrated nonfiction in the crafts and hobbies space, and publishes more than 1,200 book titles and three quarterly magazines.


Holcomb-Hathaway acquired by Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

August 19th, 2016

 

Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers is a respected, innovative academic and professional publishing company specializing in innovative academic titles for use in college courses and by professionals. They publish in the growing discipline of Kinesiology (Exercise Science and Physical Education), Sport Management, Literacy Education, Journalism/Broadcast/Media.

The Routledge imprint of Taylor & Francis is the new publishing home for these titles.


Llewellyn Worldwide sells Flux to North Star Editions

June 30th, 2016

 

Llewellyn Worldwide LTD has agreed to sell its young adult imprint, Flux, to Twin Cities-based North Star Editions, Inc. North Star Editions will take over sales and publishing operations for all existing titles effective July 1, 2016. Under the agreement, Llewellyn Worldwide will continue to handle warehousing and fulfillment duties for Flux titles.

“We are delighted to find such a welcoming home for Flux,” said Sandra Weschcke, President of Llewellyn Worldwide. “We have enjoyed all the Flux authors and titles over the years and we are confident North Star will grow and prosper with Flux. We look forward to a productive relationship.”

“We are excited to be able to continue the wonderful Flux tradition and carry it into this next phase of its life,” said Mari Kesselring, Flux’s new managing editor. “We look forward to the opportunity to engage Flux’s readership with bold new titles for the young-adult fiction audience.”

Llewellyn debuted Flux in 2006 and it quickly became a critically acclaimed and award-winning imprint dedicated to fiction for teens. It was born out of the success of the Blue is for Nightmares series by Laurie Faria Stolarz. The series has sold more than 500,000 copies and carries on in the backlist today.

Since its inception, Flux has set out to be different and diverse. Consistently provocative, independently alternative, and always striving to find unique voices that unsettle, surprise, inform, and ignite.

Through this focus, Flux is proud to have launched the careers of New York Times bestselling authors Laurie Faria Stolarz, Maggie Stiefvater, and Simone Elkeles. Elkeles’s title Return to Paradise made its debut on the New York Times bestseller list. Several other acclaimed YA authors also debuted with Flux including A.S. King and Carrie Jones.

A host of Flux titles have also won awards from the American Library Association, the Independent Publishers Association, and other literary organizations. In 2014 Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirsten Conn-Mills won the National Stonewall Award.


New Harbinger acquires Non-Duality Press

November 15th, 2015

 

New Harbinger Publications closed 2015 by purchasing the publishing assets of Non-Duality Press. Launched in the U.K. in 2004 by founder Julian Noyce, Non-Duality Press became the leading publisher of the literature on non-duality—a spiritual movement built on the idea of non-separation.

Effective in mid-November, New Harbinger created a Non-Duality Press imprint to house the backlist of the U.K.-based company, with bestsellers including The Direct Path by Greg Goode, Awake in the Heartland by Joan Tollifson, and Falling in Love with Where You Are by Jeff Foster; and will release newly acquired titles in the imprint beginning with New Harbinger’s Fall 2016 list, which includes Non-Duality Questions, Non-Duality Answers by Richard Sylvester, and The Unfindable Inquiry by Scott Kiloby.

The non-duality movement mingles the ancient Sanskrit concept of “Advaita,” meaning “not-two” with the Hindu “Vendanta” scriptural study and philosophy. Modern, Western Advaita teachers long-published by NDP, write about the practice of non-duality in many ways, including the idea of spiritual practice without religious dogma, how the non-dual awareness is immediately accessible to everyone, and how the search for enlightenment itself is an obstacle to realizing oneness. The transaction expands the reach of New Harbinger, the 40-plus-year-old publisher of psychology and self-help books, into the spiritual realm.

“New Harbinger is making a major commitment to increasing our presence in the spirituality category, and the quality and core spiritual message of Non-Duality Press books makes them a perfect fit for us,” said Matt McKay, publisher and co-founder of the Oakland, Calif.-based New Harbinger. “While not evidence-based in the same way as our psychology books, Non-Duality Press books are grounded in a wisdom tradition that rests at the core of many of the world’s religions. These books answer questions about why we are here and what matters that are key to reducing human pain.”

Books in the non-duality field are often called “literary spirituality,” and McKay said NHP was especially pleased to continue the Non-Duality Press practice of publishing “beautifully conceived, written, and packaged books.”

“We are extremely pleased to be joining New Harbinger in what promises to be an exciting and rewarding partnership,” said Non-Duality Press publisher Julian Noyce, who is staying on as consultant with the imprint for two years. Our focus on publishing leading-edge communicators and creatives in the area of non-duality both complements and expands New Harbinger’s pioneering work and excellent reputation in the field of self-help, psychology, and personal development publishing.”

Details of the sale between the two private publishers were not disclosed, but this is the second acquisition in 2015 that was brokered for New Harbinger by Howard Fisher of The Fisher Company, which helped NHP acquire the pop-psychology Impact Publishers in the summer.


Keen Communications acquires Adventure Publications

October 8th, 2015

 

Strategic merger creates a family of publishing imprints for outdoor and travel enthusiasts 

Keen Communications, based in Birmingham, AL, with an office in Covington, KY, and Adventure Publications, based in Cambridge, MN, are pleased to announce that the companies have merged publishing imprints and interests effective October 8, 2015. The new combined enterprise is known as AdventureKEEN. The transaction was brokered by Howard Fisher of The Fisher Company.

Adventure Publications, the largest independent publisher of birding books, is renowned for regional bird and other field guides. The company has a rich backlist of 400-plus titles that also includes children’s books, cookbooks, and diverse nature-themed titles. Founded in 1988 by Gordon and Gerri Slabaugh, Adventure Publications joins the other publishing brands of AdventureKEEN, which include Menasha Ridge Press, Wilderness Press, Clerisy Press, The Unofficial Guides, and Nature Study Guild. Keen’s imprints produce some of the best-selling travel and outdoor adventure books in the country, delivering to readers and enthusiasts the best travel content and where-to information available.

This strategic acquisition for Keen folds together decades of collective experience bringing guidebooks to market. AdventureKEEN titles will continue to be trusted resources for parks, interpretive centers, and specialty retailers, as well as for the book trade.

The coming-together story is a familiar one for Keen. Cofounders Bob Sehlinger and Richard Hunt collaborated for years at the Denver Publishing Institute and as part of U.S.I.A. book industry delegations before merging their respective companies in 2006, the genesis of Keen. Similarly, Hunt and Adventure Publications’ Gordon Slabaugh worked together at Houghton Mifflin in the late 1980s. Both followed their respective yet similar paths in publishing, championing outdoor topics and local subjects that sell best for retailers. The merging of companies is a reunion of sorts and a big step forward for the newly combined group.

“Gordon has always been a standout salesman, and he’s remarkably astute about what works best for accounts, from product to service. Gerri has used her talents and insight to develop clear, concise, and intuitive guides for readers of all ages,” said Hunt. “The team that Gordon and Gerri have assembled in Cambridge is truly one of the most customer-focused groups I’ve ever seen.”

Hunt also added that the most affirming part of AdventureKEEN is how well the Adventure group complements the Keen staff. “It’s not often that within a relatively small team, many folks have 10-, 15-, 20-, and even 25-year tenures. That’s a testament to how much we value our staff.”

Molly Merkle, chief operating officer of Keen, and Gerri Slabaugh, publisher of Adventure, are leading the integration of operations between the two enterprises. Gerri will remain in an active consulting role before transitioning into retirement, along with Gordon. Julie Arthur of Adventure will direct the combined AdventureKEEN sales efforts.

Keen is represented to the book trade by Publishers Group West.

The transaction on behalf of Adventure Publications was initiated and brokered by Howard Fisher of The Fisher Company, a specialist in book and media transactions.


New Harbinger acquires Impact Publishers

September 1st, 2015

 

Effective September 1, 2015, New Harbinger Publications acquired the publishing assets of Impact Publishers, which has published more than 125 titles, mostly in popular and professional psychology, including Your Perfect Right, a guide written by the founders of the company in 1970 that is still in print.

“For 45 years, Impact Publications has published the highest quality psychology self-help and professional titles,” said Matt McKay, co-founder and publisher of New Harbinger, which launched in 1973 with The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook that is still in print.

“We’ve watched with admiration over the years as New Harbinger has grown from similar roots—self-published book by a psychologist and colleague—to a very large and very successful publishing enterprise,” said Robert Alberti, Impact’s founder.”

Over the years we’ve often been approached by prospective buyers who found Impact an attractive investment prospect. New Harbinger is the first to offer such a natural blend of topics and markets.”

From Impact’s slogan, “Psychology you can use from professionals you can trust,” to its bestseller list that includes Anger Management for Everyone and Rebuilding, McKay observed Impact’s unique alignment with New Harbinger’s “Real tools for real change” mission and bestsellers, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook and Get Out of your Mind and Into Your Life.

“Impact’s books have made a huge difference in hundreds of thousands of lives,” said McKay. “We are very honored and pleased to bring Impact’s extraordinary titles and legacy into the New Harbinger fold. We look forward to publishing new titles soon.”

Details of the sale between the two private California-based publishers were not disclosed, but Impact’s sixty in-print titles have been processed into New Harbinger’s distribution network. Impact will be an imprint of New Harbinger.

The Fisher Company initiated the transaction, providing financial consultation and assisting in the negotiations on behalf of New Harbinger Publications.