Brodart Buys Spanish-Language Wholesaler
by Jim Milliot -- Publishers Weekly, 2/23/2004
Brodart has accelerated its expansion into the Spanish-language book market with the acquisition of the wholesaler Books on Wings. Based in San Francisco, Books on Wings was founded in 1980 by Nerissa Moran and stocks about 10,000 Spanish-language titles ranging from adult fiction and nonfiction to children's books.
Brodart has been slowly building up its Spanish-language inventory and last fall hired Daniel Mendonca as Spanish-language product manager. The acquisition of Books on Wings increases Brodart's selection of Spanish titles as well as adding Moran, one of the most knowledgeable people about the Spanish market, said Brodart's Kathie Rasdorf. Moran and Laura Berjarano will continue to direct Books on Wings from San Francisco. Moran will report to Peter Tobey, director of marketing for Brodart's books and automation division. Rasdorf said that the inclusion of Spanish titles is crucial to selling to libraries, noting that Brodart recently won a Dallas library bid that calls for a wide range of Spanish-language books.
