For Immediate Release
Westmont, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP), a leading publisher of thoughtful Christian books, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Biblica Books, the book-publishing arm of Biblica Worldwide. In the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, IVP will obtain 170 current and nearly 30 new Biblica Books titles. This includes Operation World, the definitive global prayer guide that’s now in its seventh edition.
The acquisition agreement between IVP and Biblica was made possible when Biblica recently made a strategic decision to narrow its focus solely to the Bible. A search for the right strategic partner with which to place their book-publishing portfolio led them to IVP.
“The addition of Biblica Books is a significant strategy for IVP. This will help us further serve and equip the church in its witness of grace and truth in the world,” says Bob Fryling, publisher of InterVarsity Press. “With this acquisition, IVP becomes an even stronger publisher for biblical and missions-oriented resources. We are grateful for this expansion opportunity.”
The two publishers readily agreed that IVP is in a very strong position to effectively carry forward the vision of Biblica Books. Through its missions-focused publishing program and networks such as the Urbana Student Missions Conferences plus its broad reach in both trade and academic markets, IVP will now be publishing an even greater selection of books to help Christians throughout the church better fulfill their kingdom calling.
Scott Bolinder, president of global publishing for Biblica, says that “there could not be a better fit for our authors and their wonderful content that makes up our unique book-publishing portfolio. The mission of IVP and Biblica resonates deeply with seeing lives around the world transformed through the Bible and biblical resources. We are delighted with the outcome of this transition and the potential to continue working closely as partners in global ministry.”
IVP plans a strong sales and marketing focus for current Biblica Books titles starting in January 2012. This will include Operation World, as well as the recent release The Future of the Global Church by Patrick Johnstone. The official launch of the new line of Biblica Books at IVP will begin in March 2012.
About InterVarsity Press
Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.
About Biblica
Celebrating more than 200 years in ministry, Biblica provides God’s Word to people through translation, publishing, and Bible engagement. Biblica’s ministry extends worldwide, with outreach in over 55 countries. Biblica has translated the Bible in more than 100 languages and is the translation sponsor and publisher of the New International Version® (NIV) Bible, the most widely read and trusted contemporary English translation. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God’s Word so lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information, visit Biblica.com.
Contact: Alisse Wissman
630.734.4059
awissman@ivpress.com
