Standaard Uitgeverij has announced the acquisition of independent non-fiction publisher Ertsberg.
The acquisition marks a significant move in the consolidation of the Flemish book market. Ertsberg, founded in 2021 by publisher Karl Drabbe and businessman David Geens, is known for its focus on societal debates and publishing works by authors such as Mark Elchardus, Rik Torfs, and Ivan De Vadder.
The acquisition strengthens Standaard Uitgeverij's portfolio, which is already well-established in the adult fiction and non-fiction market with imprints like Manteau and Tzara. The addition of Ertsberg’s catalog will deepen the company’s reach into topics of current affairs and history, aligning with the growing trend of market expansion in response to rising costs and shifting readership patterns.
Ertsberg’s titles and authors will be fully integrated, and publisher Karl Drabbe will join the Standaard Uitgeverij team. The move is seen as a way to ensure Ertsberg’s continued growth within a larger publishing framework.
