PRH becomes latest trade publisher to pull out of Frankfurt

Penguin Random House has joined the other big trade publishers in pulling out of the Frankfurt Book Fair's physical event this year.

The firm said none of its companies, including the UK arm, would have a presence at the event in October, although they would take advantage of its online offer.

A spokesperson said: "As a long-time annual participant in the Frankfurt Book Fair, who believes in its enduring value and importance, Penguin Random House greatly regrets it will neither exhibit at this year's fair, nor attend in person, to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, authors, and partners. Our companies will strive to support the fair's virtual activities this October."

The announcement is the latest in a series of withdrawals from the physical fair, with Hachette, HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan and Macmillan US, Bloomsbury and Simon & Schuster all saying they will not go. Bonnier Books UK has also announced it will not exhibit.

Last week, following Hachette's withdrawal, Thomas Minkus, vice-president for emerging media and English language markets at Frankfurter Buchmesse, said the fair would "completely understand and respect that many people are uncomfortable about participating in a large event right now".