Lagardère Publishing Expands U.S. Reach with Hachette Book Group’s Acquisition of Sterling Publishing

Lagardère Publishing Expands U.S. Reach with Hachette Book Group’s Acquisition of Sterling Publishing

(IN BRIEF) Lagardère Publishing’s U.S. division, Hachette Book Group (HBG), has acquired Sterling Publishing from Barnes & Noble, expanding its portfolio with over 13,000 titles and notable imprints like Union Square & Co., Puzzlewright Press, and Union Square Kids. The acquisition enhances HBG’s U.S. presence and aligns with Lagardère’s international growth strategy. Sterling, known for bestselling authors like Mo Willems and Caroline Chambers, will integrate into HBG’s Grand Central Publishing division, led by Emily Meehan. This move strengthens HBG’s partnership with Barnes & Noble while reinforcing Lagardère Publishing’s global leadership in mainstream publishing.

(PRESS RELEASE) VANVES, 22-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Hachette Book Group (HBG), the U.S. division of Lagardère Publishing, finalized its acquisition of Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. from Barnes & Noble on November 20. The acquisition significantly broadens HBG’s portfolio, adding a diverse range of imprints and titles that cater to various editorial segments, from adult fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature and gift publishing.

Sterling Publishing’s portfolio includes imprints such as Union Square & Co., Puzzlewright Press, Sterling Ethos, Spark Notes, Union Square Kids, Boxer Books, and gift and stationery brands Knock Knock and Em & Friends. With a catalog of over 13,000 titles and around 350 new releases annually, Sterling is renowned for its high-quality publications, including works by bestselling authors like Mo Willems, Caroline Chambers, Dan Pelosi, and acclaimed voices such as Melissa Blair and Dusti Bowling.

This acquisition aligns with Lagardère Publishing’s international expansion strategy, reinforcing HBG’s position as the fourth-largest trade publisher in the U.S. The move also bolsters HBG’s ongoing relationship with Barnes & Noble, a pivotal partner for Lagardère Publishing and the leading bookstore chain in the U.S.

“We are delighted to welcome Sterling Publishing to Hachette Book Group,” said Ben Sevier, President and Publisher of Grand Central Publishing Group. “Sterling’s outstanding imprints and robust catalog perfectly complement our existing portfolio, and we look forward to building on their success together.”

Sterling Publishing, under the leadership of Emily Meehan since 2021, will integrate into Grand Central Publishing. Meehan will report to Ben Sevier, ensuring continuity as all staff, publishing assets, and trademarks transition to HBG.

Lagardère Publishing, the world’s third-largest publishing group, generated €2.8 billion in revenue in 2023, with over two-thirds of its earnings coming from international markets. This acquisition further strengthens its U.S. operations, which contribute approximately 30% of the Group’s total revenue.

With this addition, HBG solidifies its growth trajectory, following nearly 8% revenue growth in the first half of 2024, and continues its mission of providing a rich and varied catalog to readers across the globe.

Lagardère Publishing, whose main brand is Hachette Livre, is the world’s third-largest mainstream publishing group (trade and educational). With revenue of €2,809 million in 2023, it is the market leader in France, second in the UK, third in Spain and fourth in the US (in trade publishing). The Group comprises over 200 imprints which together publish around 15,000 new titles each year in a dozen languages (mainly French, English and Spanish). It covers all segments of the mainstream publishing market: general fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, children’s and YA books, illustrated books, travel guides, textbooks, study guides and partworks.
https://www.hachette.com/

Media Contacts:

Hachette Livre:
Magali Hamonic
mhamonic@hachette-livre.fr

Agence Plead:
Julien Tahmissian
julien.tahmissian@plead.fr

SOURCE: Lagardère