Penguin Random House Acquires Wonderbly

Justin Nihiser, Barry Gibson, and Matt Rogers Acquire WonderPlay Brands (Parent of Kidcreate Studio)

February 19, 2026

Education

Justin Nihiser, Barry Gibson, and Matt Rogers have announced a majority acquisition of WonderPlay Brands, the parent company of Kidcreate Studio, a youth enrichment franchise focused on art, creativity, play, and childhood development. The new ownership group says it will retain existing curriculum and studio leadership while enhancing shared services, marketing systems, and franchise development strategy to accelerate U.S. growth.

Penguin Random House Australia Acquires Text Publishing

January 24, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Penguin Random House Australia has agreed to acquire Melbourne-based Text Publishing, bringing the 35-year-old independent trade publisher into the Penguin Random House family. Text will retain editorial independence under an agreed charter while PRH will handle ANZ sales and support the publisher’s future growth; the sale follows ownership by Michael Heyward and Penny Hueston in partnership with Maureen and Tony Wheeler.

Wonderbly Acquires Historic Newspapers

October 1, 2023

E-Commerce

Graphite Capital portfolio company Wonderbly has acquired Historic Newspapers, the global market leader in personalised newspaper-based gifting. The deal expands Wonderbly's product offering into adult gifting and integrates Historic Newspapers' archive content to accelerate growth beyond children's personalised books.

Penguin Random House Audio Acquires Playaway Products

February 1, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Penguin Random House Audio, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, has acquired Playaway Products LLC, a maker of pre-loaded audiobook players and other educational devices. Playaway Products will remain a stand-alone company based in Solon, Ohio, with its CEO reporting to Penguin Random House Audio leadership as the publisher acts as a strategic partner to grow institutional and educational distribution.

Waterstones Acquires Blackwell's

February 28, 2022

Retail

Funds advised by Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited have acquired Blackwell's, the iconic academic bookseller based in Oxford. Waterstones — controlled by Elliott and already owner of Foyles — said it will preserve Blackwell's identity while investing in its shops, people and eCommerce operation; the sale ends 143 years of Blackwell family ownership.

Amazon.com, Inc. Acquires Wondery

January 1, 2021

Media & Entertainment

Amazon.com, Inc. has acquired podcast studio Wondery in a deal reported to be valued at approximately $300 million. Wondery founder Hernan Lopez will step down after closing and COO Jen Sargent will lead the company as Amazon integrates the studio to expand its podcast and audio content capabilities.