INDEPENDENT SPORTS PUBLISHER Pitch Publishing Limited has acquired the business and assets of Know the Score Books from administrators Senate Recovery. 

Jane Camillin of Pitch Publishing said, “Know the Score Books has built up an extensive list of titles and unearthed some excellent and exciting new talent – and it is those reasons that ultimately attracted us to the business.

“Furthermore, the strategic fit and synergy between the two businesses is obvious. We already have a very good working relationship with the majority of Know the Score’s existing or target customers.”

Pitch Publishing supply a number of high-street chains, including Waterstones, WHSmith, Tesco, Asda, HMV; Gardners and Bertrams; and online sites such as Amazon; the company, founded in 2002, is currently in the process of establishing a network of export reps working in a number of territories across the world.

Ms Camillin added, “Our immediate plan is to make contact with the authors and update them on the current situation and our plans for the future. Until now we have been bound by a confidentiality agreement. It would not be right to go into in-depth detail now, but we do intend to streamline the list.

“As part of this process each title will be evaluated, and considered for reprint or an updated edition. We will explore all opportunities, including the expanding digital market, but those titles we do not intend to reprint or hold in stock, will be remaindered, in accordance with the authors’ contracts, and rights will revert back to those authors.”

Know the Score had commissioned a small number of titles, which are currently still awaiting publication. Decisions will be made within the next few days regarding these titles – and authors will be informed at the earliest possible opportunity.

Ms Camillin continued, “There are a number of unpublished works, some which have been delayed due to the period spent in administration – but since our offer to acquire Know the Score Books was accepted, we have been working with a number of authors which will help ensure their work is published with minimum delay. On behalf of those authors, we thank the administrators for supporting us in this work.”

Peter Odell, on behalf of Ian Pankhurst and Jeremy Bowden, Joint Administrators of Know the Score Books Limited, said, “Saving the business was crucial given the titles currently awaiting publication. We are pleased that we have been able to assist the authors and Pitch Publishing in concluding a deal which will ultimately benefit everyone involved.”