Continuum sells Orca to Marston

Continuum International Publishing Group has sold its distribution business Orca Book Services to Marston Book Services. The sum paid has not been disclosed. The Orca operations are run by Martyn Chapman, commercial director, and his team. About 50 employees will transfer to Marston as a result of the deal.

Orca has operated as a subsidiary of Continuum over the past decade, providing distribution services to both Continuum and over forty other publishers. Oliver Gadsby, chief executive of Continuum, said by combining with Marston, Orca becomes part of a substantial specialist book distribution company. "We have committed to a long-term distribution contract with Orca, and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with the team in Poole, as well as with John Holloran, Ross Clayton and their colleagues at Marston."

He added that the change of ownership allowed Continuum to focus its energies on its growing publishing programme through its offices in London and New York. "We have strong lists developing for academic, religious and trade markets, as well as ambitious e-book and print-on-demand programmes, involving thousands of titles. This change of ownership allows senior management the opportunity to support these programmes with its full attention, helping the company both adapt to a rapidly changing market place and drive growth and performance."

John Holloran, chairman of Marston, said: "The purchase of Orca is a logical expansion for us, and the acquisition, together with the other new publishers that have joined us over the last few months, means that we now have a balanced portfolio of academic and trade publishers at Marston. We are very pleased to be bringing into our fold a company that has adapted so well to new market challenges."