PW: Roberts Rinehart for Sale?

Rumors are circulating that Roberts Rinehart, the Colorado-based publisher of Irish history and cultural materials, may be on the block six months after downsizing as a result of ongoing libel litigation.

In July (News, July 5, 1999) the company laid off eight employees and cut its list by 40%, blaming the "considerable" expenses incurred to defend itself in court. The firm has been battling a $100-million libel suit filed after it published Sean McPhilemy's The Committee: Political Assassination in Northern Ireland, a controversial account of a secret political murder conspiracy involving prominent Northern Ireland politicians and businessmen.

Rick Rinehart, the company's publisher and owner, acknowledged the rumors, but declined to confirm the company's status. Although he told PW there was "nothing to report at the moment," he also said there may be an announcement in the next few weeks "about various options, including not selling the company." He added that current negotiations over the future of the firm "were not particularly associated with the ongoing lawsuit."