In a move to bring the US and UK Hachette divisions closer, London’s David Shelley is becoming CEO of both units.
In France, Vivendi’s Acquisition of Lagardère Approved
Having satisfied the European Commission’s antitrust requirements, Vivendi says, it’s on course to acquire Lagardère and its Hachette Livre.
France’s Editis Has Opened a New African Children’s Book Publisher
Vivendi’s Editis is rolling out new presses in French-speaking countries, this time in Senegal, with a focus on local children’s books.
French Publishers on the Hachette-Editis Merger: ‘Such a Concentration’
The SNE warns of ‘a concentration such as the French book market has never known’ in the merger of Vivendi and Lagardère.
Arnaud Nourry Departs as CEO of Hachette Livre
Arnaud Nourry was known to be concerned about the future integrity of Hachette Livre amid potential acquisition, his departure is abrupt.
Report: Germany’s Bertelsmann Interested in Buying Simon & Schuster
ViacomCBS is expected to reactivate the sale process for Simon & Schuster this month, and Bertelsmann’s chief says he’s interested.
Are Ebooks a ‘Stupid Product?’ Hachette CEO Discusses the Format
In an interview Hachette CEO Arnaud Nourry describes ebooks as ‘exactly the same as print, but electronic.’ The bigger question is whether that’s what consumers want.
Lagardère’s E-books, US Sales Rise Despite Global Dip
The media conglomerate reports net sales at 7,657 million euros down 3.9%. However, the group saw growth in US and e-book sales throughout 2011.
#PubNewsCheat: AMZN Gets Romantic, RH Acquires Smashing Ideas
A brief round-up of some of the week’s most notable publishing trade news: In the US Amazon announced the launch of a new romance books digital imprint — Montlake — which is part of their continued expansion into publishing. They are aggressively hiring in both Seattle and New York and appear to be focusing largely on genre titles. Agents are …