Waterstones is days away from finalizing a deal to acquire Blackwell’s, the Financial Times reports. A source says that the deal is expected to be in the “low, single-digit millions,” and it would likely be subject to regulatory approval. Blackwell’s ceo David Prescott “said the company was still in exclusive talks with a prospective buyer.” […]
M&A
M&A: Hachette Livre to Acquire Board Game Publisher
Hachette Livre has entered an agreement with shareholders to acquire a majority stake in independent French board game company La Boîte de Jeu. The company will lend its expertise in crowdfunding new projects through Kickstarter to the Hachette Boardgames division. Benoit Bannier “will remain at the helm” and Hachette Boardgames ceo Isabelle Jeuge-Maynart will become […]
Vivendi Increases Lagardere Takeover Offer
As expected, Vivendi filed its official tender offer for the remaining shares of Lagardere on Monday with the French competition authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) for approval. The offer includes a new enticement to accelerate the completion of the deal: For Lagardere shareholders who elect to sell their stock immediately, through May 20, Vivendi will […]
Private Equity Firm Veritas to Acquire Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for $2.8 Billion
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced on Tuesday morning an agreement to sell the company to investment firm Veritas Capital for $21 a share, with Veritas paying approximately $2.8 billion. (At the end of their third quarter, the company had approximately $317 million in long-term debt.) Bloomberg first reported on the negotiations over the holiday weekend. The […]
Private Equity Firm Veritas Reportedly Negotiating to Buy Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
After reporting last month that HMH was exploring a sale, Bloomberg now reports that private equity firm Veritas Capital is bidding to take the education publisher private. “A final decision hasn’t been made and other bidders may emerge for the Boston-based company,” the sources are said to have indicated. Veritas bought Cambium Learning Group in […]
Draft2Digital to Buy Smashwords; Media Do Acquires Supadu
Draft2Digital will purchase Smashwords, combining the two self-publishing platforms under the Draft2Digital name., and the deal is expected to close March 1. According to a release, both companies are profitable and debt-free. Draft2Digital ceo and co-founder Kris Austin will be ceo of the combined company. Smashwords founder and former ceo Mark Coker will join the […]