Book Publishing M&A in 2024: A Year of Active Deals
It was another active year for book publishing mergers and acquisitions in 2024, with several notable deals taking place across the industry. While there were no blockbuster billion-dollar acquisitions like the previous year’s KKR deal, the year still saw significant movement in the market.
The Big Five publishers, although none were acquired themselves, were involved in several key transactions. Simon & Schuster made two international acquisitions to expand its reach and bolster its presence in global markets. In May, S&S acquired Veen Bosch & Keuning, the largest book publisher in the Netherlands, followed by the purchase of Melbourne-based Affirm Press in August.
Penguin Random House also made moves in 2024, with three acquisitions in the latter half of the year. The publisher acquired Boom! Studios, Amber-Allen Publishing, and Compendium, each adding unique content to its expansive catalog. Hachette Book Group made waves with its acquisition of Barnes & Noble’s publishing division, marking a significant addition to its portfolio.
HarperCollins rounded out the Big Five’s acquisitions with the purchase of German guidebook publisher Gräfe und Unzer, further strengthening its international presence. In a press conference, HC’s CEO expressed openness to additional deals, recognizing the importance of scale in the competitive landscape.
Not to be outdone, midsize publishers were also active in 2024. Bloomsbury Publishing made a $83 million acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group’s professional and academic division, expanding its U.S. market presence. Abrams Books and Rizzoli International Publications also added new titles through strategic purchases, broadening their offerings in various genres.
Independent publishers also saw significant M&A activity last year. Arcadia Publishing acquired Belt Publishing and Dry Climate Studios, while Blue Star Press purchased Sasquatch Books. These deals added valuable content to their respective catalogs and positioned them for continued growth in the market.
Overall, 2024 may not have been a seismic year for book publishing M&A, but it was certainly active and full of interesting developments. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect more deals and partnerships to shape the landscape of publishing in the years to come.
