Verso moves from Marston Book Services to Macmillan Distribution

Verso has announced it has moved its distribution operation from Marston Book Services to Macmillan Distribution (MDL).

It was announced in July that the United Independent Distributors (UID) group, which included Marston Book Services, was starting the process of entering into administration, following six months of "failed" attempts to sell the business or partner with investors.

Verso is the latest in a string of publishers to move to Macmillan Distribution from other distributors, with Bounce Sales and Marketing announcing in July that it would transfer the publishers under its sales and distribution contract from Grantham Book Services to Macmillan Distribution from 1st April 2025.

Publishers Group UK (PGUK) will also be moving from Grantham Book Services (GBS) to Macmillan Distribution (MDL) from 1st July 2025, and likewise Bonnier Books UK, in the spring of 2025.

Rowan Wilson, Verso’s UK director, said: “The last few months have been a catastrophe for all publishers who were with Marston Book Services. We have been in negotiation with Macmillan through the spring and we have been delighted with how the team has been able to move so rapidly to get our systems set up, so we’re looking forward to an excellent future with them.

“We would also like to thank the Marston Book Services team who are working hard on getting our stock transferred, and we are now releasing stock at record speed. We have a fantastic autumn list and we do hope that booksellers will support us and order with gusto!"

Matthew Hogg, commercial director for Macmillan Distribution (MDL), said: “This has been a difficult time for all concerned but we are delighted to have been able to provide support to Rowan and his team and that they have found their new home with us here at Macmillan Distribution (MDL). Although things have had to be done at pace, we have followed our normal onboarding process and are confident that normal services for the Verso team will be delivered as soon as stock reaches our warehouse. Meanwhile, our thoughts are with all those affected by this wider situation.”