RBmedia Pursues Expansion in European Audiobook Market with Publisher Acquisitions

In the summer, RBmedia acquired the U.K. independent publisher Boldwood Books, which will continue operating independently while gaining access to a broader international audience through RBmedia’s extensive distribution network. CEO Michael Paull described the acquisition as a means to strengthen their capabilities in foreign language publishing and improve service to authors and consumers worldwide.

This acquisition aligns with RBmedia's strategy of expanding its international reach, particularly in Europe. Founded in 2017, RBmedia includes notable audio brands such as Recorded Books, Tantor Media, and W.F. Howes. With an existing stronghold in the English-language market, the company is now engaging local partners in Europe to introduce quality audio content to diverse audiences and explore new formats.

Miles Stevens-Hoare, Managing Director at RBmedia International & W. F. Howes, emphasized the intent to expand the company’s footprint internationally by focusing on various languages, including German, French, and Spanish. They are particularly interested in partnering with local publishers in markets like Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, and Denmark, with future prospects in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

RBmedia aims to forge relationships with established local companies instead of imposing its presence in these markets. Stevens-Hoare noted the importance of achieving market share and scale through partnerships with firms that understand their local landscapes, including existing catalogs of content.

Stevens-Hoare remarked that RBmedia's size in other regions, such as the U.S. and U.K., does not automatically translate to success in new markets. The approach involves allowing acquired companies to maintain their successful operations while leveraging RBmedia's global resources.

RBmedia prioritizes partnerships with publishers that predominantly focus on fiction genres like romance, sci-fi, and fantasy, assessing fit based on successful track records and brand recognition. The partnership offers potential expansion opportunities in the English-language market and support in audio production and corporate infrastructure.

Amanda Ridout, CEO of Boldwood Books, noted that RBmedia’s commitment to preserving their operational model was a crucial factor in their decision to collaborate. She mentioned that with audio being their fastest-growing format, partnering with RBmedia’s expertise and market reach would significantly aid their expansion efforts in Europe.

Looking ahead, Stevens-Hoare anticipates continued growth in the audio sector, with RBmedia set to publish content across various languages and formats, though audio will remain their primary focus. The company aims to explore simultaneous releases across audio, ebook, and print-on-demand formats, establishing a comprehensive offering in new markets.

For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the RBmedia team at [email protected].