Businesses

2007 Overview

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Lagardère Publishing, whose book-publishing brand is Hachette Livre, is now the world’s second-largest publisher and the leader in Europe.

Lagardère Publishing is No. 1 in France, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, both in fragmented markets such as general literature and in traditionally more concentrated segments such as textbooks and dictionaries. It is also in second place in Spain and fifth place in the United States. Since its founding in 1826, Hachette Livre’s mission has always been to publish, distribute and sell innovative, high-quality books that satisfy its readers’ desire for enlightenment, knowledge, culture and entertainment.

Today, this mission is carried out by 7,537 employees, all dedicated to ensuring the branch’s development and long-term viability.

2007 was a year of strong organic growth in publishing and distribution in Lagardère Publishing’s four main geographical markets: France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain.

During the past year, the group also expanded geographically, particularly in Latin American markets, with its acquisition of textbook publisher Patria in Mexico and of a majority stake in textbook publisher Escala in Brazil. The group also strengthened its position in France by acquiring Pika, a publisher of mangas, and in the United Kingdom with its acquisition of Piatkus, a publisher of popular fiction and practical books.

During the year in France, the group also decided to develop the audiobook market via the joint formation of Audiolib with Albin Michel and France Loisirs. The first titles were released in February 2008.