The Bookseller.com

22nd August 2008

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Philip's snaps up Red Books

13.12.07 John Ryan

Philip's has bought failed map publisher Estate Publications out of administration in a bid to turn itself into a one-stop shop for maps. Estate published the Red Books series of local street and road atlases, as well as the Tourist Map series.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, gives the Octopus imprint all publishing rights in Red Books and the Tourist Map series. No stock was involved and no jobs were transferred as a result of the deal.

Philip's said that a major reason for the purchase was Red Books' range of local street atlases, many of which are priced at less than £5. These predominantly cover provincial towns, from metropolitan areas such as Bournemouth to more niche products such as a street map of Falkirk.

Philip's will continue to sell the Red Books series as a sub-set of its main range, with plans to publish new editions of 100 local town atlases between January and October 2008. These will keep the distinctive look of Red Books. It anticipates that the additions to its range will afford it access to new local markets, as well as supermarkets that are keen to demonstrate links with local communities.

The acquisition, which Philip's said would give it "unrivalled UK national, regional and local atlas coverage", means that Philip's cartographic list will run to 450 products across street, road and country atlases.

Steven Edney, group sales and marketing director at Octopus, said the acquisition makes Philip's "the only true one-stop supplier" for UK town, county and national products. He added: "This is an exciting development for Philip's, bringing unrivalled coverage. I am confident we can further grow our sales and customer base within the map market."

Octopus group head of marketing and publicity Jane Smith added: "With their lower price points, [the Red Books] fit well alongside Philip's own range of street atlases. We will now have the most comprehensive product range in this category by far."

John Ryan philip's octopus Red Books