WK takes lion's share of schools market

Wolters Kluwer looks likely to dominate the UK schools market when its Stanley Thornes subsidiary finalises the acquisition of Thomas Nelson & Sons this month. The move follows a decision by Thomas Nelson's owner, Thomson Learning, to pull out of the UK school curriculum publishing market.

According to Whitaker's Book Publishing in Britain, the estimated combined sales of Thomas Nelson and Stanley Thornes to UK schools in 1999 were £41m, ahead of market leader Heinemann, with estimated sales of £35m.

Oliver Gadsby, Stanley Thornes m.d., said the two companies would fit well together. "We believe they will combine to create a dynamic operation. We have a strong combined position in secondary education and the primary lists come together very well. The combined company will also have an ability to invest in the new products and technology that the fast-changing educational marketplace needs." The new investment would include an online services development, he said. Both firms would also have strong combined export sales.

David Smith, WK Educational Publishing c.e.o, said: "It strengthens Stanley Thorne's position in the UK educational market, especially in primary schools where Nelson has several excellent brands." Nelson has sales of about £17m and employs 120 staff. Mr Gadsby declined to say how much would be paid for Thomas Nelson. He also refused to say what Stanley Thornes' sales were or how many staff it employed. The last set of available figures show Stanley Thornes with sales of £22.6m in 1997.

Decisions have yet to be made about changes to the company or about redundancies. Any changes will be the result of a review later this year. Both companies will, for the time being, continue to operate separate sales and distribution.