FYI.
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Press Release: December 7, 2009
Dear Colleague:
Today, I am writing to share important news regarding our organization and how we will
serve you and your patrons going forward. Effective December 4, 2009 Baker & Taylor, Inc.,
has acquired Blackwell North America and Australia-based James Bennett. The structure of
this agreement is as follows:
Baker & Taylor Inc. has acquired the Blackwell Book Services’ North America (BNA) and
Australia-based James Bennett businesses. Baker & Taylor’s YBP Library Services will
manage these businesses, and thus offer academic libraries the largest and most in-depth
supply of scholarly materials in the world.
Also as part of the agreement, Blackwell U.K. acquired Baker & Taylor’s Lindsay and Croft
business in the U.K.
YBP Library Services and Blackwell Ltd have entered into a reciprocal supply agreement
under which Blackwell Ltd will supply U.K.-published academic books to YBP Library
Services and YBP Library Services will supply U.S.-published academic books to Blackwell Ltd.
This partnership provides a stronger base of resources and capabilities for both
organizations to serve you. In fact, the combined organizations create synergies that
neither organization could offer on their own and that no other library distributor can
match. We hope that you will embrace YBP Library Services’ outstanding service, as you
have welcomed Blackwell’s service previously.
You will soon receive a welcome letter outlining YBP Library Services’ transition plans.
In the weeks ahead you can expect detailed updates on the progress of this integration.
Blackwell and YBP Library Services will work closely to ensure that your service needs are
addressed thoroughly.
On behalf of Toby Blackwell, as well as for myself and the company I have represented
these 22 years, I would like to thank you for your loyalty and for the confidence you have
placed in us. I am confident you will be well served by YBP Library Services in the years
to come.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Hutchings
Group CEO, Blackwell
Received on Tue Dec 08 2009 - 03:01:25 EST