InterVarsity Press has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Biblica Books, the book-publishing arm of Biblica Worldwide. In the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, IVP will obtain 170 current Biblica Books titles, as well as nearly 30 forthcoming books. This includes Operation World, the definitive global prayer guide that’s now in its seventh edition.
Biblica has translated the Bible into more than 100 languages and is the translation sponsor and publisher of the New International Version® (NIV) Bible, the most widely read and trusted contemporary English translation. It recently made a strategic decision to narrow its focus to the Bible, and went in search for the right strategic publisher to take on its book-publishing portfolio. That search led Biblica ultimately to IVP.
Bob Fryling, publisher of InterVarsity Press and (full disclosure) my boss, said. “With this acquisition, IVP becomes an even stronger publisher for biblical and missions-oriented resources. We are grateful for this expansion opportunity.” IVP already has a strong missions-focused publishing program and networks such as the Urbana Student Missions Conference plus its broad reach in both trade and academic markets.
Scott Bolinder, president of global publishing for Biblica, says that “there could not be a better fit for our authors and their wonderful content that makes up our unique book-publishing portfolio.”
I am personally very happy to welcome the Biblica authors to the IVP family. I’ll be working closely with Volney James, Biblica’s book publisher, in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Volney has said that IVP was his first choice as a home for Biblica books from day one. “So,” he said, “I could not be more pleased with this development. IVP has a sterling reputation for integrity and solid theological works, as well as cutting edge issues of mission and spiritual growth.”
We are grateful for the trust that the folks at Biblica have put in IVP. It’s a privilege for us to work to extend the reach of their books further.
