The dismantling of D&M Publishers is now complete, with official confirmation that New Society Publishers has found new ownership under some familiar names.
As Q&Q reported last week, former New Society co-owners Judith and Chris Plant, both of whom are creditors of D&M Publishers, have reacquired the Gabriola Island“based press, along with Carol Newell of Renewal Partners, an investment company that focuses on social justice and environmental issues.
The deal means that New Society, like Greystone and Douglas & McIntyre, will continue to acquire and release new titles. According to a press release, New Society’s existing distribution channels will remain unchanged.
In the press release, Judith Plant affirms the press’ activist mandate, saying, Given climate change, ecological limits, the end of cheap energy, and the underlying economic and social collapse here and around the world, the party’s over, as New Society author Richard Heinberg succinctly puts it. We’re at a tipping point, and we need tools, techniques, strategies and inspiration for radical change, now.
Launched in Canada in 1996, New Society was acquired by D&M Publishers in 2008.
According to documents filed with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Plants received approval to reacquire New Society on Jan. 25, though the sale agreement is dated Dec. 20. A report from trustee The Bowra Group indicates the sale of shares in New Society totals $600,000.