Legend Times moves into academic publishing with Buckingham Press buy

The UK-based independent Legend Times has made its first foray into academic publishing, acquiring University of Buckingham Press (UBP). The deal, concluded just prior to the London Book Fair, will see Legend own 75% of UBP, with the university retaining 25%.

UBP m.d. Christopher Woodhead, who has led the press since its foundation in 2005, will step aside after the handover. UBP is a department of the University of Buckingham, one of the UK’s five private universities. The bulk of its list is in education, particularly its Teachitright 11+ study guides and workbooks, and it publishes five journals.

Legend, launched in 2005 by Tom Chalmers, includes fiction imprint Legend Press; business list Legend Business; non-fiction arm Paperbooks; and self-publishing division New Generation Publishing.

Chalmers said Legend would focus on growing UBP’s frontlist and look at "creating new opportunities for UBP’s strong backlist". He added that Legend aims to increase its turnover by 50% each year over the next few years, both organically and with acquisitions and, regarding the latter, he is in "early-stage conversations with several publishers".