Major book publishers combine

Book publisher Harlequin Books is set to integrate into publishing giant HarperCollins Australia and NZ in a move that will see both companies share in-house operations including pre-press and logistics.

Harlequin publishes niche novels from the feminist, romance and teen genres, and has operated as an imprint subsidiary of HarperCollins for some time. It publishes around 100 new titles every month, issues across the world in 34 languages.

The blending of the two companies will see Harlequin’s publishing division sharing HarperCollin’s sales network and in-house services such as pre-press, supply, contracts, rights and data solutions.

Harper Collins CEO James Kellow says the integration will drive publishing growth in Australia and NZ.

“The injection of support, resources and services, combined with access to our broad sales operation, will provide more opportunities to expand the readership for Harlequin authors across the Australian and New Zealand markets,” says Kellow.

[Related: McPherson's refuses to print book]

HarperCollins is owned by News Corp, and the media giant says the acquisition will drive publishing growth locally and internationally.  News Corp acquired Harlequin in 2014 before it was fully integrated into HarperCollins earlier this month.

"The acquisition will extend HarperCollins’ global platform, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific, helping to fuel its international growth strategy. It will also accelerate the digital evolution of both companies,” said News Corp at the time.

The restructure will also see Harlequin operations and commercial director Cristina Lee leave the publisher at the end of this month. 

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