Harlequin Expands German Operation

TORONTO, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited, the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, announced today that the company has expanded its international operations by signing a deal to acquire full ownership of its German publishing business, Cora Verlag, from Axel Springer Verlag, Harlequin's joint venture partner in the country since 1976.  The transaction is subject to German regulatory approval.

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"We are delighted to acquire the other half of our successful German business," said Donna Hayes, Harlequin's CEO and Publisher.  "In 2009 we sold over 10 million books in Germany and we are very excited about the business moving forward."

The team has done such outstanding work building Harlequin's business in Germany and will all remain in place under the new ownership structure.  Printing, editing and translations of all titles will continue to take place in Germany.

Harlequin publishes approximately 700 titles a year in Germany.  The highly successful fiction program includes series romance novels, tele-novellas—thematically linked books based on German television series—and the tremendously popular trade paperback program which publishes books by New York Times bestselling authors under the MIRA Books imprint.  The Polyphon Group, one of Germany's most successful television production companies, is producing 22 TV movies based on novels by MIRA Books author Emilie Richards.  Harlequin Germany's thriving nonfiction program includes the Dr. Oetker cooking magazines, 10 Ways to Quit Smoking and a guidebook on how to save money.

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, with titles issued worldwide in 28 languages and sold in 114 international markets. Harlequin regards its international operation as an integral part of its business and has pursued a strategic vision of global expansion.  Over the past three years, Harlequin has launched new businesses in India and Turkey and signed new licensees in Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Serbia and the Philippines.  Harlequin has also formed strategic partnerships with overseas companies as it pursues innovative digital publishing initiatives that allow its books and manga to be enjoyed by a wide audience on devices including mobile phones and the Nintendo DS.

About Harlequin Enterprises

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation (TSB), a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 19 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.

About Axel Springer

Axel Springer AG is one of Europe's leading multimedia corporations with an integrated offering of print, online and Web TV products. Established by the publisher of the same name in 1946, today Axel Springer is Germany's largest newspaper and third-largest magazine publisher as well as one of the leading European media enterprises.

Axel Springer creates and distributes information and entertainment through newspapers, magazines and digital media services. Its broad media portfolio encompasses successfully established multimedia brand families such as the BILD- and WELT-Groups.  With over 170 newspapers and magazines, more than 80 online offerings for various different interest groups and information needs, as well as its holdings in television and radio stations, Axel Springer is active in a total of 36 countries.

SOURCE Harlequin Enterprises Limited