PW: Stoddart, Balmur Form New Company

Balmur Entertainment and Stoddart Publishing have joined forces to create Balmur Book Publishing, a Toronto-based company which will develop, publish and market books derived primarily from Balmur's extensive music and television properties as well as nonproprietary entertainment-based products. "In this time of globalization and convergence, this venture shows how two of Canada's cultural industries can benefit by working together," Jack Stoddart, chairman of Stoddart Publishing, said. "We have each been successful in our sector, and now we want to develop the synergies that come from integrating music, television and books."

BBP will utilize Stoddart's infrastructure to develop, manufacture, distribute and market the new publishing company's books in North America and internationally. The new publishing company will mainly release titles with a strong tie-in to the entertainment world.

BBP's first publishing season will focus on books derived from Balmur Entertainment's children's animated series, its series of books tied to the Calgary Stampede and other selected titles within the entertainment and gift book genres.

Arnold Gosewich, who has worked as a consultant for Balmur on its book publishing ventures, has been named publisher of the new company.

Originally founded by Canadian singer Anne Murray, Balmur focuses on sound recording and music publishing as well as television production and children's animation. Headquartered in Toronto, the company has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles.