In a July 16 trading update ahead of its annual general meeting, Bloomsbury Publishing reported that results for the first four months of FY2025 are “in line with recently upgraded expectations.”
Citing the recent acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield’s academic publishing business and strong trade sales paced by Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Throne of Glass series, among others, the publisher said it is on track for FY2025 revenues of £319.3 million. The update called the Rowman & Littlefield deal a “strategically important acquisition” that will accelerate the company’s growth.
“The enlarged Academic business will focus on wider international sales, subject area expansion and continued innovation in digital scholarship and learning,” the update states, adding that the board remains confident in its “medium and long-term” strategies. “Our authors, customers, consistent performance, and the scale and resilience of our business continue to underpin the confidence we have in the future.”
Bloomsbury announced its $83 million acquisition of RLPG’s academic program—its biggest acquisition to date—in late May, with CEO Nigel Newton calling the purchase a "game-changer."
Furthermore, the update comes as fantasy and romantasy sales continue to skyrocket in the U.S. market, with the category up 85.2% over the first six months of 2023, according to Circana Bookscan, led by strong sales of Maas's titles. According to Circana, Maas has seven books selling in big numbers, led by A Court of Thorns and Roses, which sold more than 740,000 copies in the first half of 2024.
