Penguin Random House Audio has acquired Playaway Products, a producer of physical audio players and tablets preloaded with content. Launched in 2005 and based in Solon, Ohio, Playaway has a catalog of 36,000 titles. These are offered in a variety of formats, including devices that provide a single title, tablets with multiple books and apps, and books that include a built-in, attached audiobook player.
The company primarily sells its devices to institutions, and counts more than 40,000 public libraries, schools, the U.S. military, and government agencies as customers. It was previously part of Findaway, which was acquired by Spotify in 2022.
Playaway Products and will continue to operate as a standalone company, with Gene LaMarca, CEO of Playaway, now reporting to Amanda D’Acierno, president and publisher of Penguin Random House Audio. Torin Cone, v-p of sales and marketing for Playaway, will continue in the same role.
Remarking on the acquisition, D’Acierno said, "Penguin Random House Audio shares Playaway Products’ goal to make the best content available to the widest audience of readers and listeners. We’ve long recognized they meet a very specific need in the market and have shared a successful working relationship as a publishing partner for nearly two decades.
LaMarca added, "Penguin Random House is the right strategic partner for Playaway Products. It was immediately apparent from the first conversations with the audio team that our cultures and vision align perfectly. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and providing access to top-quality audiobooks, children’s books, and apps via our devices.”
