Sydney (October 3, 2012). Allen & Unwin and Murdoch Books are pleased to announce the sale of Murdoch Books to Allen & Unwin.
Murdoch Books is a leading independent Australian publisher of high-quality, illustrated non-fiction books, with a traditional focus on the food, leisure and lifestyle categories. Murdoch Books has been publishing successfully in Australia and internationally since 1991. They have offices in Sydney and Longon. Their distinguished authors include Peter Evans, Tessa Kiros, Luke Nguyen, Neil Perry and Adriano Zumbo. Murdoch Books is the publishing partner for marie claire Australia.
Matt Handbury, Chairman and CEO of Murdoch Books, is delighted that Murdoch Books’ tradition of quality publishing, for which the business is renowned, will be continued by Allen & Unwin -- 'This is what Allen & Unwin has identified and so enthusiastically pursued in our sale negotiations. I am thrilled that the business will become an integral and wholly owned part of the largest Australian independent publishing house, and the efforts that my team have put into building the Murdoch Books brand will seamlessly continue in its new home. We can all look forward now to seeing a secure, sustainable and fertile future for the Murdoch Books list.'
Robert Gorman, CEO of Allen & Unwin said, ‘We have long admired Murdoch Books as one of the most impressive and innovative Australian publishers. The two companies share a rich history of producing outstanding Australian books that resonate not only in our domestic market but also reach far beyond that into international markets.’
‘Murdoch Books adds balance to Allen & Unwin’s existing publishing program and will allow us to offer the broadest range of books to our customers around the world.’
About Allen & Unwin
Allen & Unwin is Australia’s leading independent publisher and has been voted Publisher of the Year eleven times since winning the inaugural award in 1992. Allen & Unwin publishes around 250 new titles each year including literary and commercial fiction, a broad range of general non-fiction, academic and professional titles and books for children and young adults. Its imprints include Allen & Unwin, Arena, Crows Nest and Inspired Living. Based in Crows Nest, Sydney, the company has offices in Melbourne, Auckland and London.