Play Magnus Group expands its industry-leading library of chess content with the acquisition of Gloucester Publishers, owner of Everyman Chess and one of the largest publishers of chess content globally. The acquisition is in-line with the long-term strategic vision of building a world class e-learning platform.
Everyman Chess is one of the preeminent publishers in the chess industry, with over 60 years of experience publishing chess titles and currently having over 400 titles in the catalog. Imprints include: Everyman Chess, Pergamon Chess, Cadogan Chess and Chess Press.
The catalog includes a unique twelve volume collection by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, including a five volume series on previous world champions, “My Great Predecessors”, and also includes the popular “Winning Chess” series by Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan. Other collections include the popular “Starting Out”, “Move by Move” and “First Steps” series.
Everyman Chess has been one of the fastest growing publishers on the Chessable platform over the past year, having launched several best-selling courses. Andreas Thome, CEO of Play Magnus Group said, “We have been impressed by how Everyman Chess has been able to take its highly regarded chess catalog and bring it into the digital age. We look forward to having the chance to bring to life and digitize many of its timeless classics and to continue to deliver high quality content to our user base.”
Mark Bicknell, President and Owner of Everyman Chess said, “It’s been a great journey over the past few decades and we are proud of the catalog that we have built up. It’s in good hands with Chessable and Play Magnus Group and I’m excited for the new generation of chess enthusiasts who will be exposed to many of the classic titles in a modernized way.”
Play Magnus Group is acquiring full ownership of Everyman Chess for a cash consideration. Everyman Chess generated approximately GBP 550K in revenue and was cash flow positive in 2020.
About Play Magnus Group
Play Magnus Group is a global leader in the chess industry focused on providing premier digital experiences for millions of chess players and students. The company offers e-learning and entertainment services via its market leading brands: chess24, Chessable, iChess, NewInChess, CoChess, the Play Magnus App Suite, and the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour. The Group’s mission is to grow chess to make the world a smarter place by encouraging more people to play, watch, study, and earn a living from chess.
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For more, please contact:
Andreas Thome, CEO Play Magnus Group
Email: [email protected]
Dmitri Shneider, CFO Play Magnus Group
Email: [email protected]
Mark Bicknell, President and Owner of Everyman
Email: [email protected]
