Keesing Announces Acquisition of Kappa Publishing and Kappa Books

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Acquisition cements Keesing’s position as the leading braintainment company worldwide

Marks the company’s third acquisition since partnering with BC Partners in January 2021

 

March 10, 2022 – Amsterdam: Keesing Media Group (“Keesing”), the leading braintainment business, has today announced its acquisition from Kappa Media Group, Inc. of two of its subsidiaries, Kappa Publishing Group and Kappa Books Publishers, (“Kappa”) leading publishers of puzzle magazines and books, special interest publications and children’s activity books.

Founded more than thirty-five years ago in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States by Nicholas G. Karabots, Kappa continues to be a market leader in North America for the production and sale of publications in the categories of puzzle magazines and books, special interest publications and children’s coloring and activity books.  Many of their titles have survived the test of time dating back to the early 1930’s and continue to be leaders in the marketplace today.

The investment will substantially expand Keesing’s global footprint and builds on its position in Europe to cement its status as the world’s market leader. This marks Keesing’s third transaction since BC Partners acquired it in January 2021, following the acquisitions of Pleyades, the oldest Spanish puzzle publisher, and Küng Gruppe, the Swiss market leader, both of which were completed in July 2021.

Philip Alberdingk Thijm, CEO of Keesing, commented: “Bringing Kappa, Pleyades and Küng Gruppe into the Keesing business is a major step towards realising our ambition of consolidating the international market and making the world a smarter and better place. We are excited to build our brand further and cement our position as the world’s leading braintainment business, whilst simultaneously continuing our digital expansion.”

“Bringing the Kappa publishing family under the leadership of Keesing will only further enhance what my father, Nicholas Karabots, our family and employees have built over the last 35 years. Keesing’s worldwide growth in the braintainment market will bring new and exciting ideas and products to the US further supporting the magazine and book industries in various categories.  We look forward to working with Keesing and BC Partners in the growth and diversification of our brand”, said Despina McNulty, President of Kappa Media Group, Inc.

Nikos Stathopoulos, Partner & Chairman of Europe at BC Partners, added: “When we acquired Keesing we committed to an ambitious growth strategy that would see the company extend its footprint in the global braintainment market. We’re pleased we can now confidently say that Keesing is the number one player in this space, globally. We look forward to continuing to work with Philip and the wider Keesing team to realize further growth and to capitalize on the opportunities in this buoyant sector.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.