A London-based publishing giant has unveiled one of the world’s most famous cricket reference books as the latest addition to its portfolio.

A London-based publishing giant has unveiled one of the world’s most famous cricket reference books as the latest addition to its portfolio.

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc has bought John Wisden & Co, publisher of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, for an undisclosed sum.

The almanack, which has in the past included contributions from cricket legends Sir Donald Bradman and Richie Benaud, joins Bloomsbury’s library of other reference titles, such as Schott’s Almanac, Who’s Who, Whitaker’s Almanack and Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. 

Bloomsbury’s chief executive Nigel Newton described Wisden as an “institution”. “This acquisition is a landmark event in the history of the company and an important step in our strategy to increase our presence in reference and sport publishing.”

John Wisden was sold by Mark Getty, who has owned the company since his father Sir Paul died in 2003. 

Bloomsbury has been associated with the almanack since 2004 when it became Wisden’s sales partner.  

Wisden was founded by cricketer John Wisden in 1864 and has been published every year since. In 2006 the almanack recorded its largest sale when it more than 50,000 copies were sold. Next year’s edition will be its 146th and is due to be published in April.