Scholastic has bought Learning Ovations, the creator of literacy screening and assessment system A2i, for an undisclosed amount. The publisher will integrate Learning Ovations’ staff and technology into Scholastic Education Solutions’ literacy platform. A2i was developed with research from educator Dr. Carol Connor and researchers at Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) and University of […]
M&A
Berkett Details the S&S Bidders
Most of ViacomCBS executive Alex Berkett’s testimony on Monday morning was in closed session. But he confirmed for the record that the final three bidders for Simon & Schuster were PRH, Vivendi and HarperCollins. The other invited bidders in the first round were “another strategic buyer” (e.g. a company in publishing), and a financial buyer, […]
Pearson Sells the Last Part of their K-12 Education Business In South Africa
Pearson has finished the long-running sale of most of their K-12 education businesses around the world, with a deal to sell the South African units to Novus Holding. The total price is £53 million, and Pearson has a 75 percent share of the company. Pearson decided to retain their K-12 education businesses in Australia and […]
Vivendi Is Ready to Spin-off Editis to Win Approval for Lagardere Acquisition
While reporting earnings on Thursday, Vivendi disclosed that it is prepared to spin off the Editis publishing group into its own separate, publicly-traded company in order to win approval from EU and French regulators to acquire Lagardere as a whole. The company said, “To avoid any potential antitrust problems due to its combination with Lagardère […]
Astra Acquires DAW
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 […]
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 […]