Sheffield-based Vertebrate Publishing, the publishing imprint of Vertebrate Graphics, has snapped up the business of Baton Wicks Publications, including books published under the Diadem brand.
This deal, the largest in Vertebrate's 20-year history, adds a backlist of more than 100 individual titles to the business.
Ken Wilson founded the Diadem imprint in 1978 with Ken Vickers, and this was subsequently sold to Hodder and Stoughton in 1989, with Wilson continuing as publisher until publishing ended in 1993.
Wilson subsequently founded Baton Wicks in 1993, reacquiring many Diadem titles, and Baton Wicks has grown to become a well regarded publisher of mountaineering literature and guidebooks, listing authors including Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Eric Shipton, Reinhold Messner, Jim Perrin and WH Murray in its list.
Baton Wicks is perhaps most famous for its heritage of producing coffee table mountain books. Titles such as Big Walks, Wild Walks, Classic Rock, Cold Climbs and Extreme Rock are first edition collector items.
Ken Wilson, who is now retiring, said: "If anybody can honour the commitment to the Baton Wicks authors and can carry forward the traditions in publishing mountaineering, outdoor and exploration books then it is Vertebrate. Few other publishers have their understanding and appreciation for the business, and we are delighted to be passing the books on to them."
Jon Barton, managing director of Vertebrate Publishing, added: "For many people, like myself, Baton Wicks has been the inspiration for not only great literature, but also countless great climbing and outdoor endeavours.
"It is this that we intend to continue, working with the legacy, the authors and the books, and we can only hope to emulate what Ken Wilson has achieved with Baton Wicks."
The deal was negotiated with the assistance of Wake Smith Solicitors in Sheffield, with funding provided by the Cooperative Bank.
