Oxford University Press (OUP) has acquired rival publisher Nelson Thornes, for an undisclosed sum.
The vendor was Infinitas Learning, the Europe-wide education publishing group owned by private equity house Bridgepoint.
OUP said that the smaller firm's range of primary, secondary and vocational teaching resources would complement OUP's existing business.
In a statement, the firm’s chief executive, Nigel Portwood (pictured), said that Nelson Thornes "has a wealth of excellent curriculum resources and has a talented and committed workforce. I believe that this acquisition will help us to support teachers in their classrooms to an even greater degree.”
Initially, Nelson Thornes will continue to operate as a stand-alone subsidiary, and will retain its existing branding and office. It will be led by managing director Richard Hodson, previously international director for OUP's UK schools division.
Hodson replaces Paul Howarth, who will remain with Infinitas.
OUP is a department of the University of Oxford.
You can read more about the future of educational publishing in a special report in the February issue of EducationInvestor magazine, published next week