Crown Publishing Group Acquires Compendium
Compendium Will Join the Publisher as a Part of Ten Speed Press, Retaining Distinct List and Editorial Independence.
The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, has acquired Compendium, the publisher of a wide range of print products, from bestselling illustrated books to journals and notecards to its unique Thoughtfulls™ boxed notes. The acquisition was announced today by David Drake, President of the Crown Publishing Group, and Kobi Yamada, President & CEO, Compendium. Terms were not disclosed.
Compendium will become a part of Ten Speed Press, the Crown Publishing Group’s industry-leading imprint for illustrated books known for publishing critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles on pop-culture, art, design, lifestyle, cooking, graphic novels, and children’s books. Compendium will retain its own distinct editorial identity and continue to lead the creation and promotion of the Compendium portfolio, which includes more than forty new products set to publish in 2025. Compendium titles will be sold as a standalone imprint under Ten Speed Press.
Kobi Yamada is now President, Compendium, working closely as a partner and creative liaison to Ten Speed Press. Jim Darragh is now Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations, Compendium, and will support the transition of the business. Renee Holmes, Chief Marketing Officer, Compendium, is now Associate Deputy Publisher, Compendium. Aaron Wehner, EVP, Publisher of Clarkson Potter and Ten Speed Press, will also now serve as Publisher of Compendium.
The acquisition of Compendium will expand the Crown Publishing Group’s presence in both the gift product and children’s publishing marketplace, representing another major step forward in Crown’s mission to publish dynamic content across disciplines, genres, and audiences. As part of Ten Speed Press, Compendium will be able to offer creators and publishing partners with distinct vision and unparalleled expertise and consumers a broad array of books and products for all interests.
Regarding the transaction, Kobi Yamada, said, “Amazing things can happen with big dreams, lots of love and years of dedication and hard work. We are so proud Compendium will be joining Penguin Random House as a new standalone imprint of Ten Speed Press within the Crown Publishing Group. We can’t wait to see what inspiring possibilities we can imagine and create with the support and resources of the world’s most iconic publisher.”
David Drake, President of the Crown Publishing Group, said, “The spirit of creativity, wonder, and innovation that guides Compendium’s approach to publishing is nothing short of inspiring. We’re honored that Kobi and his team will now be joining the Crown Publishing Group to bring their distinctive program to an even wider audience. Compendium and Ten Speed Press in particular share an ethos and aesthetic that complement one another brilliantly and this partnership will open up many new and exciting creative possibilities.”