Cider Mill Press Book Publishers Has Been Sold to HarperCollins Focus

Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips’ client Cider Mill Press Book Publishers, an independent publisher of quality, high-design, gift books, has been sold to HarperCollins Focus. Cider Mill Press specializes in cookbooks, elegant wine and spirits projects, humor books, and children’s classics, supporting Focus’ overall objective to expand its growing gift and children’s product offering. Cider Mill Press and Applesauce Press, the company’s children’s brand, will become imprints within the HarperCollins Focus portfolio.

ODP Managing Director Robin Warner commented: “Founder John Jr. did what many people in the publishing world would love to do, he took his incredible book publishing experience and started his own company utilizing only the positive skills that he learned. The end result is a quality, gem of a company. Add to this that he mentored his son in the business, John III, who will now be a valuable member of the HarperCollins team. And, as everyone in the industry knows, you cannot find a nicer, more ethical person than founder John Whalen Jr. HarperCollins Focus and Cider Mill Press Book Publishers, a win/win all around.”

Jack Noble, Partner at ODP added, “John and John have an unwavering passion for publishing – a fact that is readily apparent in the quality and creativity of Cider Mill Press’ books. It was such a pleasure supporting them in this transaction.”

John Whalen Jr., Founder and Publisher of Cider Mill Press commented, “This is a great moment in Cider Mill’s history. This acquisition will help support the Company’s outstanding growth and expedite its expansion into new distribution channels. Finding a partner that would understand the unique and creative nature of Cider Mill Press’ in-house publishing program and support the entire CMP team that has been instrumental in its success was paramount. HarperCollins was that perfect partner. I am incredibly excited to turn the publishing reins over to my son, John, as he’s been an instrumental part of the Cider Mill Press history since its founding.”

Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips served as the exclusive financial advisor to Cider Mill Press Book Publishers. This deal further highlights ODP’s deep sector expertise in advising marketing and media businesses, specifically those within the book publishing industry.

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