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Follett Acquires Bookmasters

Follett Corporation announced today that it has acquired Bookmasters, one of the largest providers of integrated publisher services in the United States. Bookmasters is a strategic partner of Baker & Taylor, LLC, also acquired by Follett.
 
Follett is a top provider of technology, services and print and digital content to preK-12 libraries, schools and higher education institutions. Bookmasters, based in Ashland, Ohio, will continue to operate as before, serving customers through its existing management team and business operations.
 
“Bookmasters is thrilled to be part of Follett,” said Ken Fultz, Bookmasters’ General Manager. “Follett’s industry strength and excellent reputation provide added value to Bookmasters’ employees and customers.”
 
Follett also announced today their acquisition of Baker & Taylor, the leading distributor of books, video, and music products to public libraries and institutions, and a major wholesaler to retailers worldwide. The strategic partnership and operating relationship between Baker & Taylor and Bookmasters continues as it was under their previous ownership.
 
“Bringing Bookmasters with Baker & Taylor as part of the Follett acquisition positions the combined business to be an even stronger provider of premier integrated book publishing services,” states George F. Coe, Baker & Taylor’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Coe will continue to lead the business as Follett Group President, Baker & Taylor and Follett School Solutions, reporting to Ray A. Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Follett.
 
About Bookmasters
Bookmasters, based in Ashland, Ohio, is one of the largest providers of integrated publisher services in the U.S. For more than 40 years, Bookmasters has offered services to publishers and authors such as printing, print book warehousing and distribution, eBook conversion and distribution, editorial, and design. To learn more, visit www.bookmasters.com.
 
About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor is the premier worldwide distributor of books, digital content, and entertainment products from approximately 25,000 suppliers to over 20,000 customers in 120 countries. The company offers cutting-edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries, schools, and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. For more information, visit www.baker-taylor.com.
 
About Follett Corporation
For more than 140 years, Follett has been a trusted partner to pre-K and K-12 schools, districts, and college campuses, taking care of the critical details that make it easier for schools to run, teachers to teach and students to learn. Every day, Follett serves over half of the students in the United States, and works with 70,000 schools as a leading provider of education technology, services and print and digital content. Follett is higher education's largest campus retailer and a hub for school spirit and community, operating more than 1,100 local campus stores and 1,400 virtual stores across the continent. Follett is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. For more information on Follett, visit www.follett.com.

Sagent Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Baker & Taylor and Bookmasters, and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP acted as legal counsel. Jones Day acted as legal counsel to Follett Corporation.
 
Bookmasters Media Contact:
Kristen M. Steele
Director of Marketing & PR
800.537.6727 x1410

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