Bonnier publisher Editions Piccolia files for liquidation

French children’s publisher Editions Piccolia, which is owned by Swedish media group Bonnier AG, has filed for liquidation.

A Bonnier spokesperson said in a statement: “I can confirm Editions Piccolia has filed for liquidation on 14th January. We have tried various solutions, and have reluctantly made this decision post evaluation options." They said the decision to close had been made "based on Piccolia’s past and expected future performance in the French market" but declined to say how many jobs would be affected.

Editions Piccolia was founded in 1991 and produced titles for children aged 0-12, including educational, activity and board books, cloth and bath books, colouring-in titles and sticker books. It was acquired by Bonnier AB in 2001.

Last week Bonnier announced it was selling US children’s publisher Little Bee Books, founded by former UK c.e.o. Richard Johnson in 2016, back to its founding executive management.

In March it restructured its business in Australia, closing its local children's publishing arm and all but one of its 36 staff were entered into redundancy consultations.