EMC completes sale of children’s book publisher

EMC Corporate Finance, which has five offices in Sussex and Kent, has completed the sale of Bromley-based children’s book publisher Picthall and Gunzi to Award Publications for an undisclosed figure.

Picthall and Gunzi has a catalogue of more than 320 titles suitable for babies from three months to children up to the age of eight. The company’s directors, Chez Picthall and Christiane Gunzi, will work with Award to continue to develop the range.

Award Publications, based in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, has been publishing outstanding picture books, storybooks, novelty and activity books since 1972 and exports to more than 70 countries. Its catalogue includes the widest range of Enid Blyton titles worldwide.

EMC Corporate Finance’s Alasdair Smith said: “We were able to complete the deal within a fairly short timescale which seemed to suit everyone. Chez and Christiane have since told us how pleased they are with the outcome, saying that we performed a ‘minor miracle’ by selling successfully in a very difficult market.”

Anna Wilkinson, Managing Director of Award Publications also wrote to Alasdair. She said: “Thank you for your help and occasional intervention to ensure successful completion…I very much appreciated your patience and good natured resolve throughout the process and hope that over time this acquisition will pay back our investment.”

Ends

Issued by: David Bosley Associates Ltd (Tel. 01424 732904)

February 2013