Fox Williams advised the shareholders of Welbeck Publishing Group (“Welbeck”) on the sale of the group’s entire issued share capital to Hachette UK.

Welbeck was founded by Marcus Leaver and Mark Smith and is a London-based book publisher of fiction, narrative and illustrated non-fiction, as well as gift and children’s books. The sale also includes Welbeck’s successful Australian business.

Welbeck’s gift, illustrated and adult trade publishing will become part of Headline Publishing Group and Welbeck’s children’s list will become part of Hachette Children’s Group.

Corporate partner and head of Fox Williams’ Publishing and Digital Media group Mary Elliott led the team which consisted of senior associate Chien-Wei Lui (corporate), trainee James Coulthard (corporate), legal director Daisy Jones (employment), partner Emma Bailey (tax) and legal director Joanne Varia (tax). The transaction further adds to Fox Williams’ extensive experience in advising independent publishers and the sales and acquisitions of publishing businesses.   

Marcus Leaver said: “Mary and her team at Fox Williams advised us when we bought the company which provided the foundation for Welbeck Publishing Group and then later when we sold the business to Hachette. We could not imagine working with anyone else in the next stage of our careers. The advice we got from Mary and her team was always helpful and considered; we felt supported throughout the entire process.”


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