Lerner Publishing Group has bought Gecko Press, Wellington, New Zealand, which publishes picture books, board books, and chapter books for children.
Founded in 2005, Gecko Press will operate as an international imprint of Lerner and will launch 18-20 titles in 2024. Current Gecko Press associate publisher Rachel Lawson will oversee acquisitions at Lerner as the new publisher-at-large, Gecko Press. Gecko Press founder and CEO Julia Marshall will continue in a consulting role.
Marshall commented: "Lerner Publishing Group is the best home and now the future of Gecko Press. Lerner is an independent company with great vision and integrity and with Rachel Lawson at the helm, Gecko Press will continue its brand of curiously good international books for children."
Adam Lerner, publisher and CEO of Lerner Publishing Group, said, "Gecko Press is known around the world for the award-winning, unique, and beautifully designed children's books. Those of us who know Julia know what a special person she is and we know she has an incredible eye for a good book. We are honored to continue her vision with Rachel as Gecko Press publisher."
Gecko Press has been distributed in the U.S. by Lerner for 13 years. Lerner will take over all fulfillment, customer service, and general publishing and business management for Gecko Press in all territories, effective January 1, from Lerner's headquarters in the U.S. Acquisitions will remain based in New Zealand. Sales and distribution partnerships with Bounce (U.K.) and Walker Books (Australia and New Zealand) will continue.