Gale Buys Blackbirch

The Gale Group, known to libraries mainly for its reference books and databases, last month acquired Blackbirch Press, the Connecticut-based publisher of elementary-grade nonfiction. The move follows the company's acquisition of Greenhaven Press, publisher of nonfiction for older students. According to Gale, Blackbirch will be an imprint of the Greenhaven line, which includes KidHaven Press and Lucent Books. With the purchase of Blackbirch, Gale will be able to expand its offerings and provide "full curriculum support" in the K–6 market, says Dan Leone, Greenhaven president.