After speculation leaked out late last week that Bertelsmann and Pearson (owners of Random House and Penguin Books, respectively) were in talks regarding a merger of the two big publishing houses, this morning’s news brings confirmation that the merger is indeed going forward.
Publishers Weekly reports on the details of the merger between two of the “Big 6” publishers, including internal statements from both Penguin and Random House. Pending government approval, the new company will be known as Penguin Random House, with the merger taking place in the latter half of 2013.
Penguin Group sci-fi/fantasy and young adult imprints Ace/Roc, Firebird would join its brethren over at Random House, while independently owned DAW Books, publishers of Patrick Rothfuss, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Roger Zelazny, and more, would most likely maintain its distribution deal through Penguin Group.
