NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 3, 2022
/PRNewswire/ -- HarperCollins Focus today announced its
acquisition of Cider Mill Press Book Publishers, an independent
publisher of quality, high-design, gift books. Cider Mill Press
specializes in cookbooks, elegant wine and spirits projects, humor
books, and children's classics, supporting Focus' overall objective
to expand its growing gift and children's product offering. Cider
Mill Press and Applesauce Press, the company's children's brand,
will become imprints within the HarperCollins Focus portfolio.
![HarperCollins Focus HarperCollins Focus](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1912215/Harper_Collins_Focus.jpg)
As part of the acquisition's close, Cider Mill's founder,
John Whalen Jr. will continue
working with the company in a consultancy role. Whalen Jr. is a
39-year publishing veteran who launched the company in 2005 after
working for publishing houses such as Simon and Schuster,
MacMillan, Running Press and the and Perseus Publishing Group
throughout his career. His son, John Whalen
III, will join HarperCollins Focus as v-p, publisher of both
Cider Mill Press and Applesauce Press imprints. Prior to the
acquisition, Whalen III was responsible for all operational
oversight, including production, purchasing, international and
domestic import logistics, and digital optimization, cultivating
sales relationships, and expanding its editorial reach into new
markets. Whalen has been with the company full-time since
2018.
Whalen, Jr. said, "This is a great moment in Cider Mill's
history. This acquisition will help support the company's
outstanding growth and expedite its expansion into new distribution
channels. Finding a partner that would understand the unique and
creative nature of Cider Mill's in-house publishing program,
support the existing team that has been instrumental in its
success, while providing a level of publishing talent, expertise,
and established systems that the company could leverage for
continued success was paramount. Within minutes of meeting with
their team, both John III and I knew they would be the perfect
partner. Naturally, I am incredibly grateful to turn the publishing
reins over to my son, John, as he's been an instrumental part of
the Cider Mill Press history since its founding."
Laura Minchew, senior v-p, group
publisher for HarperCollins Focus Children's and Gift books will
oversee the Cider Mill publishing operation within HarperCollins.
"We are thrilled to welcome Cider Mill Press to HarperCollins
Focus," commented Minchew. "Cider Mill is known for creative
product development, high quality production, and excellent service
that customers appreciate. John Whalen
Jr. created a remarkable publishing program for Cider Mill.
John Whalen III's passion and
in-depth knowledge of the imprint's products will allow us to
continue their unique approach to proprietary and custom product
development. Their gift books, cookbooks, and creative children's
books, like the New York Times
bestselling edition of The Night Before Christmas, are an
excellent addition to the HarperCollins Focus growing content
line."
Current distribution and fulfillment agreements for Cider Mill
Press will remain in place for a six-month period, including Simon
and Schuster. Booksellers' orders will continue business as usual,
until further notice.
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips Investment Bank acted as exclusive
financial advisor to Cider Mill Press Book Publishers.
About HarperCollins
Focus:
HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of
publishing imprints, based in Nashville,
TN. The company works with a broad network of booksellers,
appealing to readers with content that uplifts through celebration,
culinary entertainment, community, family, optimism, humor, advice,
and motivation. Current publishing imprints include Blink, Harper
Celebrate, HarperCollins Leadership, Harper Horizon, Harper Muse, Harper Select, Cider Mill Press,
and Applesauce Press. HarperCollins Focus is a HarperCollins
Publishers company, which is a subsidiary of News Corp (Nasdaq:
NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). For more information go to
www.harpercollinsfocus.com.
Media Contact:
Casey Harrell
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.com
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SOURCE HarperCollins Focus