Guideposts has acquired Ellie Claire Gift & Paper Expressions in a deal that also includes Ellie Claire’s Summerside Press Christian book imprint. Summerside has a backlist of 84 titles in fiction and nonfiction, while Ellie Claire produces a range of items for the gift market. Ellie Claire and Summerside will remain in Bloomington, Minn. with president Carlton Garborg overseeing both as a senior v-p for the Carmel, N.Y.-based Guideposts.
Summerside will continue to develop new adult series to help Guideposts expand its presence in the retail market, while Guideposts' various market channels will expand the reach of the Ellie Claire gift line. “We are excited about our new strategic partnership with Ellie Claire. The synergies between Guideposts and Ellie Claire are key to a successful future,” said Dick Hopple, president and CEO of Guideposts. “Our abilities to leverage each other’s strengths will help us grow our brand and our reach.”
As a result of the deal, Linda Cunningham, v-p and editorial director for Guideposts, has left the company.
