Hachette UK becomes shareholder and strategic partner of Flame Tree Publishing

Hachette UK is becoming a shareholder and "strategic partner" of Flame Tree publishing. 

Flame Tree is an independent publisher of books, gifts, and art calendars. Hachette has recently diversified into gifts and stationary, acquiring Paperblanks in January 2022 and Laurence King in September 2020.  

Hachette UK replaces IPG (Chicago) and John Skelton, a long-term supporter and friend of Flame Tree.  

Nick Wells, founder and publisher of Flame Tree Publishing, said: "Building on our strong sales, print and licensing relationships, we look forward to a period of stability to allow our creative development to flourish even further."  

Flame Tree’s managing director, Frances Bodiam, added: "We recently switched from Marston to Hachette Distribution, so we know their positive culture is a good fit, and we look forward to working together over the next few years."  

David Shelley, c.e.o. of Hachette UK, said: “I have long admired Flame Tree’s creative and innovative business and am thrilled to take this chance to work closely with them, building on our existing relationship as their distributor to become shareholder. This is a great opportunity for our businesses to benefit from our respective expertise and skills, especially as it aligns with our strategy to continue to diversify into gifts and stationery.”  

The agreement came into effect on 31st October 2023.