RBmedia has an agreement to acquire audiobook publisher Dreamscape Media, which includes Dreamscape Publishing and Dreamscape Select. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024. Dreamscape produces and distributes audiobooks in 60 countries, and also provides services to self-published authors looking to create audiobooks. Founded in 2010, Dreamscape has a catalog of over 7,000 audiobooks. The company said previously it had sales of $30 million in 2023, up from $23.5 million in 2022. RBmedia ceo Michael Paull said in a release, “The acquisition of Dreamscape will give RBmedia additional depth in key genres and enable us […]
M&A
DK Acquires “A Kid’s Book About” Series
DK has acquired US-based media company A Kids Co.’s book series A Kid’s Book About. The line of children’s books, focused on diverse storytelling and representation, has been sold direct-to-consumers. DK had previously licensed and sold a portion of the line and now will sell the full list of 170 titles globally. A Kids Co. was founded in 2019 by author and entrepreneur Jelani Memory. The company will “continue to produce new podcasts, operate the direct to consumer business, seek brand partnerships outside of books, and pursue additional multi-media opportunities to tell impactful stories for kids of all ages.” Memory […]
IPG Sells Digital Distribution Business to Bookwire
Independent Publishers Group (IPG) will “upgrade” its ebook and audiobook distribution services by pairing with Bookwire to use their cloud-based system. In turn, Bookwire will take advantage of access to IPG’s digital print and distribution services. Update: According to a subsequent release from investment banking firm Oakins Desilva Phillips, Bookwire actually “acquired the digital distribution business of IPG and entered into a long-term strategic partnership.” Indeed, in a letter to clients, IPG ceo Joe Matthews wrote that “IPG has come to an agreement with Bookwire…to acquire IPG’s INscribe Digital business.” IPG ceo Joe Matthews says in the announcement, “IPG’s digital […]
B&N to Purchase Tattered Cover for $1.83 Million
As was rumored last week, Barnes & Noble will buy Tattered Cover bookstore for $1,833,402 in cash, in an offer accepted by Tattered Cover’s owner Bended Page LLC Monday evening. The deal must be approved by bankruptcy court before it is final, and a decision is slated to be made before July 31. B&N will acquire Tattered Cover’s inventory and five locations, which will continue to operate under the Tattered Cover Book Store name. Per the filing with the bankruptcy court, BN “anticipates offering employment to substantially all of Tattered Cover’s current employees,” approximately 70 people, “to continue its events […]
Blue Star Press Acquires Sasquatch Books
Bend, OR-based publisher Blue Star Press has acquired Seattle-based Sasquatch Books from Penguin Random House, which bought the company in 2017. Both presses will continue to be sold and distributed by Penguin Random House Publisher Services, extending Blue Star’s distribution agreement for 10 more years. They write in the announcement that Sasquatch will maintain its Seattle office and continue to “operate autonomously and maintain its editorial independence and creative identity.” Peter Licalzi, ceo of Blue Star Press said, “Investing in quality content is integral to Blue Star Press’s growth strategy, and Sasquatch Books has an incredible portfolio that we’re excited […]
Bloomsbury Acquires Rowman & Littlefield Academic for $83 Million
Bloomsbury announced that it has acquired Rowman & Littlefield’s academic publishing business, comprising over 40,000 titles, for $83 million. They paid $76 million in cash on completion of the deal, with up to $7 million in escrow, to be paid post completion. It’s Bloomsbury’s largest acquisition to date, and doubles the size of their Academic & Professional publishing business in the US, adding to the ABC-CLIO business they acquired in 2020. Rowman & Littlefield’s academic business generated revenue of $36 million in 2023, and profit before tax of approximately $6 million. The sale does not include Rowman & Littlefield’s other […]