Bonnier acquires Finland’s leading publishing house

Bonnier announced today that it will be acquiring WSOY – Finland’s leading publisher of general literature – from Sanoma. Combined with Bonnier’s current ownership of Tammi, the acquisition will strengthen Bonnier in general literature in Finland. As part of the transaction, Sanoma will acquire Bonnier Utbildning and Tammi Learning from Bonnier, allowing both Bonnier and Sanoma to focus on key strategic areas in their respective businesses.

The acquisition is a logical strategic step for Bonnier as it supports Bonnier's ambition to expand in the Finnish market. Above all, it is an indication of Bonnier's commitment to the publishing tradition: Bonnier's long history in publishing and love of books extends back 200 years.

"WSOY's strong grounding in Finnish culture and publishing heritage offer an excellent opportunity for us to attract the best employees and the finest authors and to nurture and support their literary efforts," says Maria Curman, CEO of Bonnier Books. "Our ambition is to provide WSOY, its authors and employees, the means needed to reach their full potential. WSOY together with Tammi forms a perfect match within the Bonnier publishing family. I see this as an important step in successfully developing our offering of general literature to the Finnish market."

Bonnier has been part of the Finnish book publishing scene since 1996 through its ownership of Tammi. In accordance with its heritage and values, Bonnier respects local brands, cultures and market conditions while offering opportunities for development and growth as part of the strong international Bonnier family.

As a part of the transaction Sanoma acquires Tammi Learning and Bonnier Utbildning from Bonnier.

"Tammi Learning and Bonnier Utbildning are both very strong and well-run businesses," says Maria Curman. "I am convinced that they will continue to prosper within Sanoma's very successful international learning business."

The transaction is subject to approval by competition authorities.

Maria Curman, CEO Bonnier Books +46 70 884 89 10
Bodil Ericsson Torp, VP Communications and Human Development Bonnier +46 70-497 63 66

About WSOY
WSOY was founded by Werner Söderström in 1878 and is today Finland's leading publisher of general literature. WSOY publishes approximately 350 new titles by Finnish and foreign authors every year. The company's editorial office is in the heart of Helsinki and houses 110 employees.