Thomas Nelson Seals Shared Distribution Partnership with Océano

By A�da Bardales -- Críticas, 6/15/2007

Nashville based Thomas Nelson signed an agreement with Mexico’s Editorial Océano for the exclusive and reciprocal distribution of Spanish-language titles in their respective markets in the United States and Mexico. Larry Downs, VP and publisher of Grupo Nelson, Thomas Nelson’s Spanish-language imprint, told Críticas they believe this partnership provides a “large opportunity to market the products we believe complement [what] we offer.” Downs said that “distribution with a trusted partner” in another country is an effective way of reaching a “marketplace…you have been trying to manage from across the border.”

Oceano’s exports manager Cynthia Astudillo said “we are very pleased [with this partnership] because [Grupo Nelson] possesses the necessary infrastructure and market channels in order for our books to reach a wider audience.” Downs hopes this agreement will secure Grupo Nelson’s position in both the general and religious markets in Spanish-language publishing and “help serve an ever changing marketplace in the United States.”

This latest joint venture marks the third for Grupo Nelson. The publisher recently signed distribution agreements with Simon & Schuster and Spain’s RBA. Downs believes this trend will continue. “In a time when specialization [is essential] and companies are looking [to grow],” he said, “these alliances [are a] necessity.”

Starting this September, Grupo Nelson and Océano will add each other’s recent titles to their respective catalogs, as well as several from the backlist. Both publishers will work closely to select the titles each will distribute.