Books being packed at Bertram Books in Thorpe St Andrew

Thorpe St Andrew-based Bertram Books has extended its academic books and journals business with the acquisition of the Dutch supplier Houtschild Internationale Boekhandel B.V from Blackwell UK Ltd.

Bertram’s parent company announced the deal today, which will ultimately cost the company £570,000 (700,000 euros).

Houtschild, which is based in the Netherlands, supplies books and journals into both academic libraries and Government Institutions across Northern Europe. In its latest year end last June the company generated revenues of £4m (4.9m euros).

Bertram’s parent company Smiths News said the deal would provide additional scale, infrastructure and expertise as well as greater access to key customers and geographies.

Bertram Books, which supplies books to independent booksellers, online and multiple retailers, and libraries, has cornered about 45pc of the wholesale book market. Last August it acquired academic book supplier Dawson Holdings plc and in April it acquired education and care consumable products firm The Consortium.

Smiths News Chief Executive Mark Cashmore said: “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition, which is an excellent addition to our books business. Houtschild represents a clear international strategic step for Bertrams consistent with our stated aim. The Group will benefit from synergies, an increase in scale and a stronger sales presence in Northern Europe, as well as accelerating the digital platform roll out.”

In a statement, the company said: “This acquisition will also further facilitate Dawsons’ digital expansion outside of the UK. Its integrated offer of physical and digital books will be an important competitive differentiator in driving medium term sales growth in the region.”