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Highlights

  • Strong Financial Performance: Bloomsbury's full-year trading exceeded market expectations, driven by a robust second half.
  • Strategic Acquisition Impact: The successful integration of Rowman & Littlefield boosted growth in the Non-Consumer division.
  • Leadership Expansion: Dame Heather Rabbatts appointed as a Non-Executive Director, strengthening the Board.

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (LSE:BMY), a leading independent publisher, has announced a robust trading update for the financial year ending 28 February 2025. The company's performance surpassed market expectations, fueled by strong growth across both Consumer and Non-Consumer divisions, alongside effective execution of its long-term strategic vision.

According to the update, Bloomsbury experienced an exceptional second half, with its Consumer division achieving broad-based success across its portfolio. The Non-Consumer division also recorded notable growth, largely attributed to the successful acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield in May 2024. The integration of the newly acquired publishing house is progressing smoothly, reinforcing Bloomsbury’s presence in the academic and professional publishing sectors.

Despite budgetary constraints in core academic markets, Bloomsbury Digital Resources demonstrated resilience, maintaining growth over the full year. The company’s financial position enabled it to make early repayments of $7.5 million from the $37 million debt linked to the acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield.

Chief Executive Nigel Newton credited the company’s continued success to the strategic execution of the Bloomsbury 2030 vision, which focuses on expanding its portfolio, fostering innovation, and investing in talent. He emphasized that Bloomsbury’s ability to maintain steady performance, supported by a strong roster of authors and a resilient business model, reinforces confidence in its long-term prospects.

The company will provide further details on its financial performance and future outlook in its Preliminary Results announcement on 22 May 2025.

New Board Appointment

In a move to strengthen its leadership, Bloomsbury announced the appointment of Dame Heather Rabbatts as a Non-Executive Director, effective 14 April 2025. She will also serve on the Audit, Remuneration, and Nomination Committees.

Dame Heather brings extensive corporate governance experience, currently serving as the Senior Independent Director at Associated British Foods plc and M&C Saatchi Group PLC. She previously held a Non-Executive Director role at Kier Group plc.