Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Gets Culinary Program, Webster's New World Reference and CliffsNotes from John Wiley & Sons

“This strategic acquisition reflects HMH’s continued commitment to consumer publishing, and represents an exciting growth opportunity within the culinary market. Even as digital sales increase, the print cookbook segment shows particular strength, both at HMH and within the market in general,” said Gary Gentel, President of HMH’s Trade & Reference division. “The combination of Wiley’s culinary, reference, and CliffsNotes lines with our existing business will significantly strengthen HMH’s market position in both the culinary and reference categories.”

Webster’s New World Dictionary is a dominant force in the back to school market, and Webster’s New World College is the dictionary of choice for the New York Times and the Associated Press. Together with HMH’s American Heritage family of dictionaries, the company’s reference offerings will expand significantly.

At HMH, CliffsNotes will continue its robust program of test-preparation and literature study guides for high school and college students. CliffsNotes.com, which maintains over two million unique visitors per month, will also migrate to HMH. This will reinforce the company’s deep strength in test preparation and assessment services, complementing its role as the largest provider of K-12 educational materials in the U.S.

“We believe that HMH is well-positioned to provide the strategic focus required for these assets to achieve their full potential and continue to flourish,” said Mark Allin, Wiley’s Senior Vice President, Professional Development. “While these assets have contributed to Wiley’s success to date, Wiley is reshaping its portfolio to support growth opportunities in our Professional Development; Scientific, Technical, Medical, and Scholarly; and Global Education businesses, and create products and services that help customers become more effective throughout their education and careers.”

Natalie Chapman, Vice President and Publisher at Wiley, is joining HMH to manage the entire culinary program, reporting to HMH General Interest Group Senior Vice President and Publisher Bruce Nichols. A number of Wiley editorial, marketing, publicity, and production staff are also joining HMH as part of the acquisition. As part of the new HMH culinary program, HMH Senior Executive Editor Rux Martin will also launch her own imprint, Rux Martin Books.