Blackwell's and Swets to combine subscriptions and information services divisions

Keywords Vendors, Information services, Mergers and acquisitions,Subscriptions

Blackwell's Ltd and Swets & Zeitlinger BV have announced an agreement of their intention to combine Swets Subscription Service and Blackwell's Information Services, the two subscription agency businesses. The creation of the new organisation should be concluded later this year and the integration of the services will take two years.

As a result of the impact of the Internet and electronic networks there have been fundamental changes in the publishing and distribution of journals. The combined skills of both companies should help to equip the new organisation to meet the demands of customers in the new millennium

Pieter Rustenburg, chairman of the board of Swets & Zeitlinger, stated:"We are delighted with the prospect of being able to work with Blackwell's in future as a partner rather than as a competitor". Anthony Thompson, group chief executive of Blackwell Ltd, said: "The combination of Swets Subscription Service and Blackwell's Information Services is a logical strategic move. We are pleased to be joining forces with such a quality company to deliver the best service to our customers".

The two companies will continue to provide services to their respective customers and all renewals of subscriptions for 2000 will be undertaken separately by Swets and Blackwell's. The integration of systems and services will be phased in during 2000 and 2001 to ensure an efficient transition to the new arrangements.

For further information contact Kim Hallett, Blackwell's Information Services, kim.hallett@blackwell.co.uk

Bart de Gans, communication manager, Swets & Zeitlinger BV, bdegans@swets.nl

Source: Press release