Astra Publishing House has acquired sci-fi/fantasy publisher DAW Books from owners and co-publishers Betsy Wollheim and Sheila Gilbert. According to a release, Astra will take on the entire staff of DAW. The publisher has issued over 2,000 titles since its founding more than 50 years ago in 1971. “We’re so excited to have DAW join […]
M&A
Acquisitions: RBMedia Acquires Upfront Books
RBMedia announced the acquisition of audiobook publisher Upfront Books, founded in 2019 by Tyler Finkelstein. The company works with publishers, self-published authors, and literary estates. RBmedia CEO Tom MacIsaac said in the release, “We’re impressed with the quality of the business and catalog that Tyler and his team have built in just a few years. This acquisition […]
CAA Closes Acquisition of ICM
Following an extended delay awaiting government review, CAA has completed their acquisition of ICM, first announced in September 2021. The deal is reported as valuing ICM at $750 million. (When ICM sold a minority one-third share in the agency to Crestview Partners in 2019, the price was reportedly approximately $150 million.) In the original announcement, […]
Acquisitions: Spectrum Publishing Buys Odd Portal Studios
Spectrum Publishing has acquired sci-fi and fantasy publisher Odd Portal Studios. Spectrum owner Kelly Rinne said, “Everyone here at Spectrum is excited about this acquisition. We have a solid foundation of science fiction and fantasy titles, and I look forward to expanding our roster of talented authors and narrators in these genres.”
Little Group Acquires B&T UK
The Little Group, which owns wholesaler Gardners, has purchased Baker & Taylor UK from ceo Amandeep Kochar, The Bookseller reports. A private investment group led by Kochar bought what remained of B&T last fall. B&T UK will continue operating with its own name, and no staff changes are planned. Executive chairman Gareth Powell and managing […]
Vivendi Owns 55 Percent of Lagardere Following First Tender
Vivendi and Lagardere confirmed in separate releases that approximately 11 million shares in Lagardere were tendered during the first round of Vivendi’s buyout offer, giving it 55.43 percent of the share capital in Lagardere. A second round of the main tender offer opens May 27 and closes on June 9, still at the offer price […]