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 […]
Finance
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 […]
Lagardere Returns As CEO Following Partial Lifting of Ban
Following a judicial appeal, there was a “partial lifting of the management activities ban imposed on” Arnaud Lagardère, as he faces criminal charges of “vote buying, abuse of power and breach of trust, disseminating false or misleading information and failure to publish accounts.” As a result, he has resumed his position as chair and ceo of Lagardere SA.
Booktopia to Remain In Limbo Until Late July or Later
Struggling Australian retailer Booktopia announced that it expects to remain in financial limbo until late July or beyond. After suspending trading of its stock in the middle of June while the company seeks new financing and/or credit as “necessary for the company’s continued financial viability,” the company has been extending its own deadline further and further out. Now, the company tells the Australian Stock Exchange, it does not expect to have news regarding “the additional funding it is seeking” until July 19. The only progress reported is that “due diligence has been undertaken by some of these parties [suppliers and […]
Webtoon Stock Prices At Top End, Rises Further
Webtoon Entertainment’s IPO priced at the top of its indicated range earlier this week, issuing 15 million shares at $21 a share, yielding gross proceeds of $315 million. The company receives another approximately $50 million from a private placement of additional shares to parent company Naver. In NASDAQ trading, the stock rose above the initial offering price, this morning priced at about $24 a share.
Booktopia Searches for Funding in Order to Continue As a Going Concern
On Friday, Australian bookseller Booktopia requested an extension of the voluntary suspension of their securities, making clearer how dire their financial situation has become as the company seeks funding in order to continue operating. Last week, the company suspended trading shares pending an announcement about the outcome of its strategic review, which has been delayed in multiple press releases and is now expected to be made on June 28. In a letter to the Australian Stock Exchange, the company noted that it has had ongoing “liquidity challenges” and is looking for funding “both to meet redundancy costs and to provide […]