Ian Allan Publishing - Company Acquisitions

Company Acquisitions

Ian Allan Publishing has acquired several companies and imprints.

• Oxford Publishing Company was purchased in 1998 from Haynes Publishing and has become a prominent and well-regarded railway list; since 1998 OPC has undergone many changes, with investments being made in both new and backlist titles.

• Midland Publishing was acquired in 1999. The Midland imprint provides a range of specialist, highly illustrated titles, covering military aviation subjects from World War II to the present day. In civil aviation, comprehensive works of reference are published frequently.

• Classic Publications, a publisher of aviation titles, was added in 2002, bringing another imprint widely considered important in the World War II aviation market.

Ian Allan Publishing's trade representation is provided by Amalgamated Book Services for its own imprints and a growing list of associated publishers. Midland Counties Publications, acquired by Ian Allan Publishing at the same time as Midland Publishing, was established in the 1970s with the objective of selling books at aviation events and by mail order to a growing number of enthusiasts who could not always find the publications they wanted to read on the shelves of their local High Street bookshop.

In addition to the above Ian Allan also owns the imprint Lewis Masonic. Lewis Masonic produces the ritual books used by UGLE lodges and chapters.