I B Tauris buys PWP

Independent non-fiction publisher I B Tauris has bought fine arts publisher Philip Wilson Publishers (PWP), after handling its sales, marketing and distribution over several years.

I B Tauris m.d. Jonathan McDonnell promised there would be "no acquisition pain" for Philip Wilson and his team and that the "distinctive character,brand and publishing strategy of PWP" would be maintained. However PWP will relocate to the I B Tauris offices.

PWP started life as Sotheby's Publications, the publishing arm of the auction house, but became independent as PWP in 1977. Its acquisition is the first buy for I B Taurus since the company began publishing in the mid-1980s. The sum involved was not disclosed.

I B Tauris chair and founder Iradj Bagherzade said PWP made an "extremely good" addition to its list. "We've already established a strong presence in the world of fine arts publishing with our books relating to cultures of the Middle East, and the acquisition gives us an opportunity to grow this side of our business significantly," he commented.