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Illustrated book specialist Rizzoli International Publications has acquired Chelsea Green Publishing, which focuses on politics and sustainable living, for an undisclosed sum.
Headquartered in Vermont USA, Chelsea Green’s UK arm, established in 2018, is based in London and employs four people. The Fisher Company brokered the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Founded in 1984 by Ian and Margo Baldwin, Chelsea Green Publishing focuses on organic and regenerative farming and gardening; nature and the environment; healthy food; local economies and resilient communities; and integrative health and wellness. Rizzoli said the acquisition strengthens its “commitment to diversifying its portfolio and addressing emerging trends in the publishing industry”.
Stefano Peccatori, c.e.o and president of Rizzoli International Publications, said of the acquisition: "We are excited to welcome Chelsea Green Publishing into the Rizzoli International family. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting meaningful content that resonates with global audiences while addressing crucial issues related to sustainability and eco-friendly living. The acquisition opens doors to new opportunities for collaborative projects, innovative titles, and expanded market reach in the English language and global publishing landscape. Both Rizzoli International and Chelsea Green Publishing will share a common goal of fostering knowledge, awareness and actionable solutions for a more sustainable future.”
Under this acquisition, Margo Baldwin will take on the role of publisher emeritus of Chelsea Green Publishing while Peccatori will assume the role of c.e.o. and president, managing the strategic integration and collaborative efforts between Rizzoli International and Chelsea Green teams.
Baldwin joins the Rizzoli International executive team headed by Peccatori, including Charles Miers, publisher of all Rizzoli International imprints (Rizzoli New York, Rizzoli Universe, Rizzoli Electa, and now Chelsea Green Publishing); Jennifer Pierson, vice-president of global sales, marketing and operations; Randy Barlow, vice-president of finance and administration; and Stephen King, managing director of Rizzoli’s recently established UK arm.
Miers says: “From our position of strength, we believe in evolving and growing responsibly and using our privileged platform to advance publishing’s agenda and our readers’ knowledge. Chelsea Green is a house I have admired for many, many years: throughout its history, it has been the tail wagging the dog, setting trends, encouraging innovation, establishing values, and publishing purposefully in areas of great importance to us all.”
Baldwin says: “I’m thrilled to have Chelsea Green secure its future and join Rizzoli and the entire esteemed Mondadori family of book publishing and bookstore companies for the next phase of development. This alliance will enable new growth and international expansion for our titles as well as significant new opportunities for our authors and employees. I very much look forward to working with the entire Rizzoli and Mondadori team to make sure the brand Ian and I established forty years ago to educate people on more sustainable and ecological ways of living is successfully integrated and aligned for future success.”
Rizzoli International is the English language publishing arm of Gruppo Mondadori. Founded in 1964, it has gone on to publis of high-quality, illustrated books in the areas of fashion, interior design, art, architecture, photography, travel, sports and food.