SAGE has announced the purchase of UK independent publisher Learning Matters.
AGE, a leading independent academic and professional publisher, today announced the purchase of UK independent publisher Learning Matters. The sale was announced jointly by Learning Matters founder and Managing Director Jonathan Harris, and Ziyad Marar, Global Publishing Director, SAGE.
Founded in 1999, Learning Matters is a leading publisher of market focused books and ebooks for professional and vocational courses in education, social work, nursing and health.
"We've long admired Learning Matters' disciplined and creative publishing philosophy, and know that their books are much loved by students up and down the country. We couldn't be more delighted to be welcoming them to SAGE," said Ziyad Marar. "Our complementary publishing programmes make Learning Matters an ideal fit for us as we grow our already substantial textbook programme in these fields. We are also thrilled that Jonathan will remain involved with the ongoing development of the Learning Matters publishing programme at SAGE."
"SAGE is an excellent home for the next stage of Learning Matters' development," said Jonathan Harris. "We're looking forward to building the Learning Matters imprint with the significant strength that SAGE offers."
The Learning Matters team will continue to operate from their current office based in Exeter. All sales and distributions will continue to be handled through the Learning Matters team; orders for the Back to University season should be handled in the usual way.
What is Learning Matters?
Learning Matters is a UK-based and UK-focused textbook publisher covering key areas of SAGE's textbook programme and growth strategy, namely education, social work, nursing and health. It is a private company set up in 1999 by Jonathan Harris.
Why has SAGE purchased Learning Matters?
The Learning Matters list is a complementary model of publishing (practical, accessible, student-focused, short, workbook texts) adding a new channel of growth for SAGE, reaching new courses and adopters as well as new authors.
Will Learning Matters staff be moving to SAGE?
Learning Matters is currently based in an office in Exeter. The team will remain in the Exeter office until at least December 2011. We are still working with the team to agree a transition plan and further information will follow about this in the coming months.
How do I order my Learning Matters books now, during the BTU season and in future?
The Learning Matters business will continue to operate as normal until further notice: please continue to order through BEBC. For full information on placing book orders or inspection copies see below:
At Learning Matters: Zoe Seaton or Dan Williams on 01392 215560
At BEBC: 0845 230 9000, fax 01202 712913
For book orders: http://www.learningmatters.co.uk/
When will SAGE begin accepting orders for LM and distributing from SAGE's warehouse?
We are putting plans in place to transition LM to SAGE but the current processes for sale and distribution as above will remain unchanged until at least December 2011. We will make further announcements in the coming months.
How will my contracts with LM be affected?
We are in the process of reviewing all terms and contracts with LM, which will transfer to SAGE. There will be further discussions with individual suppliers in the coming months.
How will we be communicating this acquisition?
We are contacting all key stakeholders in advance of announcing the acquisition. A press announcement will be sent out on Monday 1st August, and subsequent public announcements will be made as further information is available.