M&A

Scholastic has signed a deal with children’s content creator, producer, and distributor 9 Story Media Group, in which it will acquire 100 percent economic interest in the company, as well as minority voting rights, for approximately $186 million. The two companies have previously collaborated on TV projects including the “Clifford the Big Red Dog” reboot for PBS Kids and Amazon Prime Video and “Eva the Owlet” on Apple TV+. Scholastic ceo and president Peter Warwick said in a release, “This highly strategic combination, adding 9 Story’s industry-leading capabilities with Scholastic’s trusted brand and proven ability to create iconic children’s series and […]

Arcadia Publishing has acquired midwest publisher Belt Publishing. They write in a release that Belt will maintain editorial independence and publish under its existing brand. Arcadia ceo Brittain Phillips said, “Belt provides Arcadia with two terrific opportunities in one acquisition. It strengthens our local and regional catalog in the Midwest, where Belt has been publishing remarkable books for a decade. And as we look to the future, Belt helps to expand the way we think about local-interest publishing, with new voices and fresh ways to define sense of place.”

Skyhorse announced a deal to acquire conservative publisher Regnery from Salem Media Group, which amusingly they chose to release through the New York Times. (But it worked, and got the paper to cover an otherwise small acquisition.) Regnery is projecting sales of just $10 million for 2023, and will operate as an imprint of Skyhorse. They bring a backlist of over 1,500 titles. Skyhorse president and publisher Tony Lyons tells the NYT candidly that his books “are provocative and dangerous and disturbing,” which he sees as an argument why stores should carry them, to “encourage dialogue and debate.” The transaction […]

Lerner Publishing Group has acquired New Zealand children’s book publisher Gecko Press, for an undisclosed sum. Gecko has been distributed by Lerner in the US for the past 13 years, and will operate as an international imprint. Starting January 1, Lerner will handle fulfillment, customer service, and general publishing and business management for Gecko worldwide. The company will continue to acquire from New Zealand, and it will keep its distribution partnerships with Bounce in the UK and Walker Books in ANZ. Under the new organization, Gecko plans to launch 18-20 new titles in 2024. Gecko associate publisher Rachel Lawson will “oversee […]