Authors Guild Drops Hathi-Trust Case

In a stipulation filed with the court, Authors Guild v. HathiTrust was officially dismissed, by agreement of the parties. In a concession, HathiTrust officials agreed that the organization would, for a five-year period, notify the Authors Guild if it decides to change its practices.

Hachette Completes Black Dog Buy

The Hachette Book Group has completed its acquisition of Black Dog & Leventhal. HBG reached an agreement in late November to acquire BD&L as part of an effort to add more nonfiction titles to its list.

Recorded Books Buys Tantor Media

In a deal that combines two of the largest independent companies in the spoken-word audiobook industry, Recorded Books has acquired Tantor Media for an undisclosed price. The purchase gives Recorded Books additional clout in the audio retail marketplace, as well as access to Tantor’s recording studios.

IDW Acquires Indie Comics House, Top Shelf

In a major acquisition in the comics marketplace, IDW Publishing has acquired Top Shelf Productions, a highly regarded independent comics house. According to a statement released by IDW, Top Shelf will “remain a distinct imprint within IDW.”

Naples Up in Rodale Reorg

Rodale has promoted Mary Ann Naples from v-p and publisher of Rodale Books to senior v-p and publisher. With her promotion comes a number of other hires and structural changes to the books division at the company.

Shandler Gets Spot at New Harper Imprint

Geoff Shandler, one of the more high-profile editors whose position was cut in the downsizing at Hachette this past summer, will be overseeing the nonfiction side of a new imprint featuring nonfiction and literary fiction to be published under HC’s Morrow division.

Zuckerberg Launches Book Club

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has launched a new book club as part of a challenge to himself to read a new book every two weeks in 2015. His first pick was Moises Naim’s The End of Power.

Morin Now President At Ingram

Shawn Morin, chief operating officer of Ingram Content Group since June 2012, has taken on the additional responsibilities of president. Morin joined the company in 2009 as chief information officer and was promoted to COO in 2012, when Skip Prichard stepped down as CEO and president.