Former D&M Publishers imprint New Society Publishers has been reacquired by its previous owners, Chris and Judith Plant and Carol Newell. The announcement comes the day after D&M announced that flagship imprint Douglas & McIntyre has been acquired by another independent B.C. operation, Harbour Publishing (pending court approval). The assets belonging to a third imprint, Greystone Books, were acquired by Heritage House Publishing last month.
D&M filed for bankruptcy protection in October. New Society Publishers, a separate legal entity which was purchased by D&M in 2008, did not file a notice of intention. But among the long list of creditors owed more than $6-million according to court documents were Ms. Plant (owed $218,750), New Society Publishers (owed $441,641) and Ms. Newell's company Renewal Partners (owed $93,750).
At New Society, Ms. Plant will resume the role of publisher, and all distribution channels will remain unchanged. According to a news release issued Thursday, New Society will continue to acquire books with an activist focus.