HarperCollins is acquiring Egmont Books UK and Egmont's book business in Poland, as well as Schneiderbuch in Germany, the company announced today. After the acquisition, Egmont Books UK will run as a distinct children's division, headed by current managing director Cally Poplak. In Germany, Schneiderbuch will become part of HarperCollins Germany children's books. And Egmont Books Poland will become part of HarperCollins Poland. Egmont Publishing's magazines are not included in the purchase.
Egmont, with headquarters in Denmark, is a multimedia company, with book, magazine, film, TV and interactive media operations. From 2008 to 2015 it operated in the U.S., but closed that branch because it wanted to invest only in countries where it had a leading market position.
Chantal Restivo-Alessi, CEO of international foreign language and CDO, HarperCollins, said, "Egmont's expertise in the children's book market and position as a global player in licensed publishing, combined with HarperCollins global footprint will be the cornerstone for building and growing our worldwide strength in children's publishing."
Charlie Redmayne, HarperCollins UK CEO, said: "The acquisition of Egmont will give us a huge opportunity to combine their existing profile and expertise in the U.K. and in Europe with the licensing experience and capability we already have in Suzanne Murphy's HarperCollins US children's business. This will enable us to unlock the potential of licensed publishing across the broadest international reach"
He praised the Egmont UK list, which includes "iconic names such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Thomas the Tank Engine, Tintin and Mr Men."