Sandstone Press

Offer Deadline:

SOLD

Acquisition Opportunity

Hilco Streambank (“Hilco”) is seeking offers to acquire the intellectual property and business assets of Sandstone Press Limited (“Sandstone Press” or the “Company”).

Background

Sandstone Press is a renowned UK-based independent publisher with an illustrious history. Since its inception, Sandstone Press has significantly impacted the literary scene, earning a reputation for publishing high-quality, thought-provoking, and diverse books across various genres. With a commitment to supporting established and emerging writers alike, Sandstone Press has become a respected name in the publishing industry.

Founded in 2002, Sandstone Press has demonstrated a dedication to championing unique voices and publishing exceptional literature. Though headquartered in Scotland, the Company’s influence reaches far beyond its geographic location. Sandstone Press has built a strong reputation for publishing literary fiction, crime fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. The Company’s catalogue showcases various genres and themes, reflecting its commitment to publishing compelling stories worldwide.

Sandstone Press has published an array of critically acclaimed and award-winning titles, with many recognised by prestigious literary awards such as Man Booker International, Booker Prize, Betty Trask Prize, Boardman Tasker Prize, Kekoo Naoroji Prize, Wainwright Prize, Petrona Prize, Saltire Society book prizes, Arthur C Clarke Prize and Saltire Society Scottish Publisher of the Year (2014 and 2019), Country winner (Scotland) Bookseller awards (Nibbies). The Company has published and supported numerous talented authors who have gained recognition and acclaim for their work, including British novelists Michelle Roberts and Eve Harris, German crime writer Volker Kutscher and Norwegian crime writers Jørn Lier Horst and Anders Bortne, among others.

Beyond its publishing endeavours, Sandstone Press actively engages with the literary community and readers, participating in numerous book festivals and events and connecting authors with their audiences. Sandstone Press’s dedication to building lasting relationships with readers and supporting its authors has set it apart and helped affirm its position as a respected and influential player in the publishing industry.

This opportunity offers the prospect of acquiring the intellectual property assets of a leader in the publishing industry, presenting the chance to forge meaningful relationships with world-renowned authors. By taking on this responsibility, new owners can play a pivotal role in supporting these talented writers, preserving the legacy of established authors and fostering the growth of emerging voices, enabling them to continue their literary journeys with fresh perspectives and opportunities.

Available Assets

The Sandstone Press Brand

Sandstone Press is well-known within the publishing industry and has gained a solid reputation for publishing high-quality literary works. Sandstone Press has established itself as a respected independent publisher, particularly in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Sandstone Press has a dedicated following of readers who appreciate their commitment to publishing diverse and thought-provoking books. Their focus on quality writing and support for emerging and established authors has helped them build a loyal readership. Additionally, they actively engage with their audience through social media, events, and book signings, further enhancing their visibility and connection with readers.

Sandstone Press has received coverage and has been featured in various press outlets. As an independent publisher, they have garnered attention for their notable publications, award-winning titles, and contributions to the literary community, including mainstream press coverage from the likes of the BBC and The Guardian, but also by industry-specific publications such as The Bookseller.

Sandstone Press has won several awards for their publications, including the prestigious Man Booker International Prize, the Saltire Society Literary Awards, the Not the Booker Prize, a literary prize awarded by The Guardian newspaper, and Sandstone Press authors have been shortlisted and recognised in the Scottish Book of the Year Award, which honours outstanding books by Scottish writers or about Scottish culture.

Trade Marks

The Company holds unregistered rights in the “Sandstone Press” brand name and logo.

Author Contracts

The Company has an enviable client roster, holding contracts with c. 200 esteemed authors, each of whom has been nurtured and supported on their literary journey. The Company’s valuable agreements and relationships are available to acquire, offering a purchaser(s) immediate access to a rich tapestry of literary talent and the chance to support these talented writers in their next chapter.

A full list of the Company’s authors can be found here.

Domain Names & Website Content

The Company holds the primary sandstonepress.com domain name, which hosts the Company’s informational website. The Company also holds the sandstone.press.site domain name, hosting an affiliated e-commerce platform.

The Company owns the copyright in the content of its informational website hosted at https://sandstonepress.com/, professionally designed by specialist digital marketing firm Tide.

The Company owns the copyright in the content of its e-commerce website hosted at https://sandstonepress.square.site/ and powered by Square.

Social Media Accounts

Rights in the social media accounts are also available to acquire across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest, with over 27.8k cumulative followers.

A full social media schedule is available via a virtual data room.

Tangible Assets

A range of computers, phones and office equipment assets are also available to acquire.

Sale Process

All expressions of interest and bids are to be directed to Hilco in writing. A Bid Submission Form is available on request. Please contact Hilco to gain access to a virtual data room of further information on signing a confidentiality agreement.

Key Terms & Conditions

The bidder acknowledges that Hilco acts as an agent for the Company who offers for sale only what right, title and interest (if any) the Company possesses in the assets. Such sale will be without any warranties, expressed or implied. The information provided has not been verified by Hilco and bidders are deemed to have carried out their own due diligence.

VAT, if applicable, at 20% will be added to the price. A non-refundable deposit of 20% will be payable by the buyer within 48 hours of bid acceptance. A buyer’s premium of 10% of the sale price is payable by the winning bidder. Legal completion to occur within 5 business days of bid acceptance. Hilco’s full Terms and Conditions apply.

Contacts

Alexander Muir

Associate Director

Manchester Office

+44 (0) 7593 562917

amuir@hilcoglobal.eu