PRH US completes sale of F+W Books

Penguin Random House US has finalised the deal to buy the US book-publishing assets of F+W Books.

The F+W list will become part of the publisher’s Penguin Publishing Group division after the sale was completed on Friday (19th July).

F+W publishes illustrated non-fiction books in art instruction, crafts, writing, genealogy, antiques and collectibles and woodworking.  It boasts a backlist of around 2,000 titles, which include such category leaders as The Crystal Bible and the Writer’s Market series. Sales and fulfillment for the F+W publishing program will continue to be handled by Two Rivers, an Ingram Publisher Services brand.

PRH US' plans to buy the book publishing assets of F+W Media were revealed in June, following the media company filing for bankruptcy. PRH US posted the winning bid in an auction on Thursday 6th June, held by the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Allison Dobson, president of the Penguin Publishing Group, said: “This acquisition presents an exciting publishing opportunity for us. The nonfiction categories encompassed by the F+W list will expand and complement PPG’s already very strong set of imprints and lists, and we are delighted to welcome the F+W authors into our Penguin family.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed that UK division F&W Media International - a wholly owned subsidiary of parent company F+W Media - is acquiring the firm's UK books business in a management buyout, forming a new company called David and Charles. The company name David and Charles sees the business return to its original moniker, with all new title publishing falling under the imprint.