Bloomsbury issued a trading update ahead of today’s annual meeting, reporting sales for the four month period ending June 30, with trade sales of £39.7 million, up 26 percent from £31.5 million last year. Adult trades revenues rose 17 percent and children’s sales were up 32 percent. Company-wide sales of ¢63 million were up 28 percent, from £49.5 million a year ago. Their recent acquisitions of Head of Zeus added £859,000 in consumer adult sales, and Red Globe Press added £478,000 to the non-consumer academic and professional segment. They still “are actively targeting further acquisition opportunities in line with our […]
Archives for July 2021
Obituary: Lynn Franklin
Literary agent and scout Lynn C. Franklin, 74, died July 19 after a lengthy battle with cancer. After founding her eponymous scouting agency in 1978, she partnered with Todd Siegal to form Franklin & Siegal Associates in 1992. She was also the author of May the Circle Be Unbroken, which looked at adoption from all perspectives and includes an account of her reunion in 1993 with her birth son. The company notes, “Lynn will be remembered as a trailblazing pioneer in the world of international scouting with a strong love of her many friends worldwide.” Information on a memorial service will […]
More On Scholastic: Lucchese to Inherit Robinson’s Controlling Shares
SEC filings further illuminate the bigger story overlooked yesterday: Scholastic executive Iole Lucchese’s ascent to chair of the company’s board, while continuing to serve as evp, chief strategy officer. In early July, the Surrogate’s Court issued preliminary letters appointing Lucchese as executor of the late Richard Robinson’s estate. Furthermore, she is “also expected to be the sole beneficiary” (e.g. inherit) Robinson’s special Class A shares — which gave him control of the company — “after probate is completed.” As the filing notes in its official language, “Consequently, Ms. Lucchese may be deemed to control the Registrant” (i.e. Scholastic). As executor, […]
Distribution
Cheriton Children’s Books will be distributed by Lerner Publisher Services in the US and Canada as of January 1, 2022.
Obituaries
Co-founder of Andrews McMeel Universal John McMeel, 85, died on July 7. He “never really retired, his wife said. At his death he was the company’s chairman emeritus.” The NYT notes, “Indefatigably sunny, Mr. McMeel had the optimism — and the stamina — of a true salesman.” Company chair Hugh Andrews — son of Kathy Andrews, who died earlier this year — said, “John was one of the most dynamic, energetic, and positive personalities one might ever encounter. His unwavering optimism, enthusiasm, and true passion for life – and most of all, for people – was evident in everything he […]
Bookselling
LET’S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED author Jenny Lawson’s Alamo Heights, TX bookstore Nowhere opened for public browsing on July 19 (it has done curbside and online sales since 2020). The store includes a bar, which will open when San Antonio’s COVID vaccination rate reaches over 80 percent.