Friday, August 6, 2010

Baker Publishing Group Acquires Academic Titles from Hendrickson Publishers

Here's some exciting news from Baker Publishing Group.  Baker has acquired about 300 titles of existing and forthcoming academic titles from Hendrickson.  Congratulations to both Baker and Hendrickson.  I've seen the list and let me just say that Baker has significantly enhanced it's academic line.  I've long admired much of what Hendrickson has produced I'm very excited about this new acquisition.  Here's the official press release

Grand Rapids, Mich. —Baker Publishing Group and Hendrickson Publishers have signed a letter of intent regarding approximately 300 existing and forthcoming academic titles published by Hendrickson. The titles, some from authors previously published by Baker, will be purchased by Baker Publishing Group and enfolded into Baker Academic.

Academic books have been a core part of Baker from the very beginning. Over the years, the company has increased its investment in this area, becoming a significant outlet for books that extend the academic conversation. "We have long admired the academic publishing line that Hendrickson Publishers has built," notes Dwight Baker, President, Baker Publishing Group. "I count it both a privilege and a responsibility to see these books transferred into our care. I am confident that our academic staff will be wise stewards, serving both authors and readers well, recognizing the investment of time, energy, and resources these books represent."

"I'm very proud of Hendrickson's academic list of books, which has provided a strong foundation of our business for thirty years," says CEO Ray Hendrickson. "Over the last few years, our business has expanded in new directions, and we have decided to focus our energies and resources on the areas in which we have developed particular expertise, primarily Bibles and Bible reference.

"It has been of the utmost importance to me that we find the perfect home for our academic authors and books, and I'm delighted and proud to pass the baton to Baker Academic, which has proven itself to be a publisher of great distinction in this very specialized field," Hendrickson continued.

The two family-owned companies have enjoyed a cordial relationship and constructive partnerships for decades, and they are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for all concerned—authors, accounts, and readers. The terms of the purchase are not being disclosed. After a period of due diligence, the companies plan an October 1 target date for the transition of titles to be complete. More information on the specifics of orders and returns will be provided by both companies as soon as it becomes available.

Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge and understanding within the context of Christian faith. Our authors are scholars who are leaders in their fields, write irenically, and display a healthy respect for other perspectives and traditions. Our goal is to publish books that are notable for their inherent quality and deemed essential reading by students and scholars.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Baker Academic, Chosen Books, and Brazos Press. Baker Publishing Group is also the exclusive publisher of GOD'S WORD® Translation (GW). Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Publishing Group is one of the world's largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/.

Hendrickson Publishers was started as a reference and academic press in 1980, based in Peabody, Massachusetts. Today the company is among the top Bible and Bible reference publishers in the country. Hendrickson's goal is to publish resources every Christian needs to better understand the Scriptures and to mature in their spiritual walk. For further information, please visit http://www.hendrickson.com/.

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