HarperCollins Germany has acquired Gräfe und Unzer, the German guidebook publisher.
The acquisition will more than double the publisher’s operations in Germany, expanding the company's cookbook, health and wellness, gardening guide, and travel book lines. Currently, HarperCollins Germany publishes approximately 300 books annually.
Brian Murray, president and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers, highlighted the strategic importance of expansing in the German market: "Germany is one of our strongest markets in the international portfolio and one where we see tremendous growth opportunities. This acquisition will allow us to increase our market share and position us for continued growth in the market."
Juergen Welte, managing director of HarperCollins Germany, added: "Gräfe und Unzer has an impressive publishing history, exceptional authors, books, and brands, and has become a great brand in its own right, trusted by generations of readers."
Gräfe und Unzer was founded in 1722, and has been part of the Ganske publishing group since 1990. The transaction remains subject to review and approval by Germany's antitrust authorities.
