After a lengthy review by the government, HarperCollins, parent company of Zondervan, has finally completed the purchase of Thomas Nelson. The acquisition, for $200 million, unites the country’s two largest religion book publishers. Although there were few details in the HC announcement, the company said in a release that “Thomas Nelson will continue to operate as an independent company with its unique editorial focus on inspirational and Christian content.”
Harper announced its intention to buy Nelson on October 31 and although the company had hoped to close the deal before the end of 2011, the government review process was much longer than anticipated. But following the review, HC does not need to divest any Nelson or Zondervan properties as a condition of the sale, an HC spokesperson said. More details on Nelson's integration into HC will be made later.
