Peter Owen to merge with Istros Books

Independent publisher Istros Books is set to merge with publishing house Peter Owen Publishers.

The merger will take place​ on 1st August 2016.

Istros Books was founded in 2011 and has built a list of more than 25 titles, showcasing the "best of literary output from South-East Europe - a region much neglected by publishing in the Anglo-Saxon world".

Founding director Susan Curtis-Kojakovic will become associate publisher at Peter Owen, while retaining editorial control over the Istros imprint. The Istros core list will remain focused on the Balkans, but it is envisaged that its geographical reach will widen to include the whole of Eastern Europe.

Curtis-Kojakovic said: "It is a great chance for Istros to expand and thrive as part of a larger business. There is a great deal of synergy between the two companies, and I believe that cooperation between independent publishers is the way forward."

The move marks the "culmination of a period of revitalization" for Peter Owen Publishers, which has seen its eponymous founder taking the position of chairman in July last year and the promotion of his daughter Antonia Owen to publishing director, with Nick Kent taking on the role of​ managing director. The firm retains its focus on bringing out "cutting-edge" fiction and non-fiction, as well as continuing its strong tradition of publishing literature in translation.

Kent said: "Like many others in the book trade I have a great admiration for Istros Books, which, from a standing start and in a difficult trading environment has grown into a significant name in the field of fiction in translation. Susan's ability to gain an impressive share of media and public attention for brilliant new works in English will be most welcome at Peter Owen".

The joint list will be distributed by Combined Book Services, Tonbridge.