Editis in exclusive negotiation to take over graphic novel publisher Delcourt

Editis, the second largest French book publisher, and Delcourt, the third largest graphic novel publisher, have announced that they are in exclusive negotiations for the former to acquire 100% of the latter.

The deal, which has to be approved by the European competition authorities in Brussels and the Delcourt personnel, would be Editis’ first major acquisition since it was taken over by International Media Invest (IMI) in November 2023. IMI is a subsidiary of Czech Media Invest (CMI), which was founded by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

Guy Delcourt, who created the comic book and manga publisher 38 years ago, told French media, as confirmed by The Bookseller, that he was selling the company because none of his three children wanted to follow in his footsteps, and he was interested by Editis’ “humanist values”. Editis has pledged that it will remain independent and not lay off any staff, he added.

Delcourt will continue to run the company for several years. Reporting sales of €104.2m last year, down from €108.4m in 2022, it produces about 700 new comic books, graphic novels, children’s books and fiction titles a year, and has a 13,000-strong catalogue. Its publishing and distribution payroll in Paris and the south coast city of Toulon totals 145. Distribution subsidiary Delsol should be absorbed Editis’ counterpart Interforum in 2026, Livres Hebdo reported.

The deal should be concluded by the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025. A Delcourt spokesperson declined to comment on the price under negotiation.