Forefront Books and Histria Launch Unified Publishing Group with Unicorn Publishing

Forefront Books and Histria Books Form Unified Publishing Group

In an exciting development within the publishing industry, Forefront Books and Histria Books have announced the formation of a new joint venture known as the Unified Publishing Group (UPG), in collaboration with the UK's Unicorn Publishing Group. The strategic alliance signifies a major step forward for all parties involved, aiming to enhance their collective global presence and market penetration.

This joint venture commenced with the acquisition of a majority stake in Unicorn Publishing by Forefront and Histria, marking a transformative moment in each company’s journey. Jonathan Merkh, President and CEO of Forefront Books, has been appointed as the CEO of UPG, while Dr. Kurt Brackob, Director of Histria Books, steps in as COO. Additionally, financial leadership will be ensured by David Howell, who serves as CFO of both Forefront and UPG, with Lord Strathcarron continuing his role as Chairman of Unicorn Publishing Group.

The impetus behind this partnership stems from a shared commitment to quality publishing, collaborative international endeavors, and creating a lasting cultural impact through literature. "This investment is built on a shared vision for quality publishing," said Merkh. He expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with respected names in the industry to deliver meaningful books that resonate with readers worldwide.

Collaboration is at the heart of this venture. The deal was brokered by The Fisher Company, a consultancy known for its expertise in international mergers and acquisitions. Under this agreement, titles from Unicorn Publishing will gain access to the U.S. market via distribution through Simon & Schuster, thus leveraging Forefront's existing partnerships for unprecedented reach. Conversely, both Forefront and Histria will extend their international imprint into the UK and beyond, diversifying their audience base and market impact.

Moreover, UPG will explore opportunities for co-publishing projects, which will combine editorial insights and market knowledge between the three publishing entities. Dr. Brackob remarked, "This partnership reflects Histria Books' commitment to building cultural bridges through publishing." By joining forces, they are setting the stage for continued growth rooted in shared values and a mutual respect for literature's capacity to bridge cultural divides.

Lord Strathcarron further noted, "We are thankful for this opportunity to grow Unicorn's American presence while pursuing our mission of producing beautiful and lasting books". This collaborative effort is not just about combining resources; it’s a chance to amplify distinct perspectives and empower new voices in the publishing arena.

As the Unified Publishing Group positions itself in the market, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of publishing across various genres and platforms, fostering creative exploration and innovative storytelling.

About the Companies Involved

Forefront Books has established itself as a premier publishing house focusing on thought leaders, business innovators, and creatives who have impactful stories to share. Backed by a team that has produced more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, Forefront has firmly held its place as one of the fastest-growing independent publishers over the past few years.

Histria Books is dedicated to publishing literary works that inspire and inform, transcending cultural boundaries. Their catalogue showcases a blend of historical, political, and fictional narratives, highlighting diverse voices that challenge and enrich the literary landscape.

Unicorn Publishing Group specializes in the arts and cultural history, championing an independent approach that offers beautifully designed, high-quality books. Its distribution operations are strategically stationed around the globe, connecting its titles to art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

As UPG develops its expertise in global distribution and strategy, further announcements regarding its market approaches and projects are anticipated in upcoming months, ensuring that the newly unified entity continues to pave the way for enriching literary contributions.