Mergers & Acquisitions

Under an agreement set to close April 30, HarperCollins will buy Egmont Books UK, Egmont’s book business in Poland, and the German unit Schneiderbuch. All three focus on the children's market.

Using some or all of the clauses in the model contract, the Authors Guild said, will help ensure that writers receive the rights granted them under current U.S. copyright and contract law.

GraphicAudio produces dramatized audio content, and its purchase marks RB’s entry into the audio dramatizations market.

Yesterday, the remaining board members of the Romance Writers of America resigned and announced a special election to fill the board seats for the remainder of their terms.

The Hachette Book Group has acquired more than 1,000 titles published by Disney Book Group; the deal involves bestselling authors, award-winning as well as backlist and recently published books, plus a number of unpublished titles.

Miami indie press Mango Publishing has acquired Yellow Pear Press, which specializes in lifestyle and regional titles, as well as its Bonhomie Press imprint.

The private equity firm KKR has signed a definitive agreement to acquire OverDrive in a deal announced on Christmas Eve.

B&N’s purchase by Elliott Adviors was the largest purchase in a quiet year for acquisitions in the book business.

Peterson’s Publishing has acquired the more than 800 titles of Barron's Educational Series Publishing. Ingram-owned Two Rivers Distribution is now handing sales and distribution for the company.

The merger of Simon & Schuster parent company CBS with Viacom was completed yesterday afternoon. The new ViacomCBS will have combined sales of about $28 billion.