Fairchild Fashion Media Sells Fairchild Books to Bloomsbury

Posted on April 3, 2012

Bloomsbury Publishing announced that it has acquired Fairchild Books. Fairchild is a publisher of textbooks and educational resources for students of fashion, merchandising, retailing and interior design. Fairchild, which is based in New York, has a long and storied history that dates back to the nineteenth century. Bloomsbury says that Fairchild's list meshes well with Bloomsbury's line of academic texts in the Visual Arts. Bloomsbury previously acquired Berg Publishers in 2008, which included its extensive fashion photography archive.

Bloomsbury intends to expand its reach in the fashion and design arts niche. It will publish both textbooks and works for professionals. It intends to aggressively pursue digital ventures, as well. Fairchild Books will be run by Kathryn Earle, who will report to Bloomsbury's Academic & Professional division. Jonathan Glasspool will serve as Managing Director.

Nigel Newton, Chief Executive of Bloomsbury, said in a statement: "The acquisition of Fairchild Books is part of Bloomsbury's long term strategy to increase its Academic Publishing turnover in the USA, the largest market for English language textbooks. There is a perfect alignment between Fairchild's list and Bloomsbury's visual arts lists.

Gina Sanders, the President and CEO of Fairchild Fashion Media, had this to say about the acquisition: "We are delighted that Fairchild Books has found such a fitting strategic partner in Bloomsbury Publishing Inc., a leading international academic publisher. At the same time, this sale will enable Fairchild Fashion Media to further expand upon our core businesses, including WWD/WWD.com, Style.com, Style.com/Print, FN, Beauty Inc, Menswear, Fairchild Summits, WWD Magic and FN Platform."