This is to announce that Vine House Distribution Ltd (owned by Richard and Sarah Squibb) has formed a new company, VINE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL LTD, which has acquired three complementary book trade companies:

AMALGAMATED BOOK SERVICES LTD

CLIPPER DISTRIBUTION SERVICES LTD

ART BOOKS INTERNATIONAL LTD

ABS was set up in 1985 to provide a dedicated and comprehensive sales representation service for Publishers, using a team of salaried reps.  This is still the basis of the operation and ABS currently has six territory reps, plus a key account executive covering the UK and Ireland, calling on both book trade and non-traditional outlets.  ABS has a strong portfolio of Clients with some notable recent additions and intends to maintain a steady rate of expansion by intensifying its sales operation in tandem with adding more Clients.

Clipper provides accounting and distribution services for its Publisher Clients from a 75,000 square foot warehouse near Portsmouth.  There is capacity for expansion and further clients are being introduced.  A special feature of the Clipper service is that, through the Jade system, it can offer Clients a software package enabling them to carry out their own invoicing and other accounting functions at a fraction of the normal cost.  Alternatively, Clients can pass this function to Clipper if a full service is required.

ABI is in its 18th year as a long-established distributor of books on the fine and applied arts, architecture, design, photography, fashion and graphics. ABI trades worldwide, using an experienced network of agents in the UK and abroad, from its offices in London.  Distribution is by Clipper.

Vine House Distribution was set up in 1987 by Richard and Sarah Squibb, following 11 years in the book trade, to provide a variety of facilities for the small to medium sized non-fiction Publisher, including a full representation and distribution service, which remains the core of the business today.  The Company was lucky enough to start off with a best seller (The Cold Moons, by Aeron Clement) and has grown steadily ever since.  The Client base now numbers 160, both from the UK and overseas.  ABS is responsible for sales and Vine has its own warehouse and distribution operation in mid-Sussex.

The Group's plans for the future will focus on continuity and maintaining a high level of service to Customers and Clients, placing a greater accent on book promotion in all its forms in order to maximise Client turnover (which will include the setting up of an extended department specialising in publicity and research into new markets) and maintaining a personal touch. It will also keep abreast of changes in book trade practice and react accordingly.

For further information, contact Richard or Sarah Squibb on 01825 723398, email richard@vinehouseuk.co.uk