The University of Cambridge and the 10 campuses of the University of California enter a major new agreement in open access, as Ontario-based Book Depot acquires the American publisher Kidsbooks.
Leaver and Smith’s Welbeck Acquires Carlton; Books International Acquires Marston
In two moves announced within days of each other, new consolidation can be seen in both nonfiction and in distribution and manufacturing services in publishing.
Czech Book Sales Rise Amid Ongoing Industry Consolidation
Overall book sales in the Czech Republic are up as the number of new titles published declines slightly. Industry consolidation and a focus on high-performing books may be the cause.
Industry Notes: Europa Editions’ New Imprint; Chicago Press Buys Council Oak
Winter moves among independent publishers: Nonfiction works are the focus in Europa Compass, and Chicago Review Press buys Oklahoma’s Council Oak Books.
Denmark’s UNSILO Working With BMJ; France’s Vivendi Approved To Buy Editis
UNSILO announces a partnership with journal publisher BMJ, while Vivendi is approved to close its acquisition of Editis in France.
Czech Republic’s Albatros Media Acquires Panteon Press
The expansionist drive at Prague’s Albatros Media continues with the company’s acquisition of Panteon, a press focused on adult fiction.
PRH Takes Majority Stake in Brazil’s Grupo Companhia das Letras
In a memo from CEO Markus Dohle, Penguin Random House announces majority ownership in Brazil’s largest trade publisher, Companhia das Letras.
Poland’s Online Bookseller Merlin.pl Acquires Profit M, Expanding Its Footprint in the Market
Talking, among other things, of developing an loyalty program for consumers based in blockchain tokens, a spokesman for Poland’s Merlin.pl talks about its latest move to gain dominance in the market.
Industry Notes: Zuiker Press’ Graphic Novels; Sweden’s Thunderful
The creator of television’s ‘CSI’ franchise and his wife create a new series of teen-told tales as graphic novels, Simon & Schuster distributing. And Sweden’s still young Thunderful Publishing has a new acquisition in Rising Star Games.
Czech Republic’s Children’s Publisher Albatros Media Buys Vyšehrad
Already estimated to hold some 17 percent of the Czech wholesale book market, Albatros Media this spring continues broadening its acquisitions portfolio by buying the country’s oldest publisher, gaining access to the adult nonfiction market in the process.