Health and sports publisher Human Kinetics has acquired UK illustrated books publisher Lotus Publishing. Lotus’s list of about 50 health and anatomy titles will become an imprint at HK titled Lotus Books. Lotus founder Jon Hutchings “will continue to work with authors and develop new books for the imprint in 2025 to help ensure a smooth transition,” according to a release. Lotus’s existing co-publishing agreements with North Atlantic Books and Inner Traditions will continue for backlist titles, and new titles will be distributed solely by HK.
Finance
Small Investor Tries to Block Vivendi’s Plan to Split Itself Up
Ahead of a planned December 9 shareholders’ meeting, Vivendi announced that CIAM, an investor holding a very small position (a 0.025 percent stake), has filed suit to try to block their plan to divide the conglomerate into four separate companies. A hearing is scheduled before the Paris Commercial Court on December 4, for arguments on both an expedited suit looking to block the spin-off project, as well as an appeal of a November ruling from France’s market authority (AMF) finding that the spin-off plan does not trigger a mandatory buyout offer. As a result, the December 9 meeting and vote […]
Harper Germany Acquires Gräfe und Unzer
Harper Collins Germany will acquire guidebook publisher Gräfe und Unzer from Ganske, subject to regulatory approval. GU, which has operated for more than 300 years, will continue to be based in Munich under the Harper Collins umbrella, which will also take on the company’s distribution business, ISP Isar Sales Partner. According to a release, the acquisition more than doubles Harper’s German business, and expands its portfolio to include cookbooks, self-help, health, gardening, travel, and more. “Germany is one of our strongest markets in the international portfolio and one where we see tremendous growth opportunities. This acquisition will allow us to […]
Edelweiss Is Sold to Valsoft
Canadian marketing software company Valsoft Corporation has bought Above the Treeline, the company that owns digital book catalog platform Edelweiss. The group writes in a release that “the acquisition marks Valsoft’s first venture into software for the book market,” though they also bought a controlling stake in Klopotek in the summer of 2023. The Edelweiss team “will remain in their leadership role.” “We’re thrilled to be partnering with John and Annie Rubin to drive forward the modernization of the book industry,” said Anthony Caruso, investment partner at Valsoft. “Edelweiss has built an unparalleled reputation over the years, and its vibrant […]
HBG Acquires Union Square & Co.
Hachette Book Group has purchased Sterling Publishing from Barnes & Noble. The acquisition includes imprints Union Square & Co., Union Square Kids, Boxer Books, Puzzlewright Press, Sterling Ethos, and Spark Notes, as well as stationery publishers. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The group will continue to be led by Emily Meehan, who will report to Grand Central president and publisher Ben Sevier. According to a release, “All Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.’s staff, publishing assets and trademarks will transfer to Hachette Book Group.” The publisher has approximately 14,500 titles in print and ebook. HBG will assume Union Square’s distribution […]
Penguin Publishing Group Acquires Amber-Allen Publishing List
Penguin Publishing Group announced it is acquiring the publishing assets of Amber-Allen Publishing, with Tarcher Perigee managing the titles once the deal is completed. Founded in 1990, Amber-Allen is a self-help and spiritual publisher, whose books include The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills, which has sold over 15 million copies. Tacher Perigee publisher Tracy Behar said in a release, “Amber-Allen, and especially the Toltec Wisdom series, has had a remarkable and enduring impact on the world. It is a great honor to protect the legacy that Janet Mills has created, and to bring these classic titles into […]