By Siobhan O’Leary

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is planning to expand overseas, and in particular into Germany, which it has dubbed “the most important market”, according to Buchreport. Once the company explores the German market further, including the specifics of the German schoolbook market and public school system, it will be seeking publishing and distribution partners. The publisher will focus on English-language learning books, in addition to the subjects that are its strengths in the US, such as math and the natural sciences.

Himmer-Winco Media, a Hong Kong-based joint venture between Winco Paper Corporation (Hong Kong) and Himmer AG (Germany), has announced the opening of the first commercial licensing office for German publishers in Beijing. The purpose of the office, which opened on Friday, is to offer German publishers entrée into the Chinese publishing market. According to the Boersenblatt, eight publishers are already being represented by the firm, including Herder, Vemag, Wissenmedia, Langenscheidt, OZ-Verlag, Verlagshaus Würzburg and Tre Torri.