Bonnier Publishing, a subsidiary of Sweden’s Bonnier Group, has acquired the independent children’s press Templar Publishing

Bonnier Publishing, a subsidiary of Sweden’s Bonnier Group, has acquired the independent children’s press Templar Publishing.

Templar’s senior management will remain with the company, which was founded 30 years ago. Managing director Amanda Wood said: “Templar has grown to a stage where we’d like to have the support and guidance of a company with the depth and breadth of Bonnier behind us to help take us to the next level.”

Templar forecasts sales of £17 million in 2008. It is also due to commence publishing in the US next year under the Templar name, as an imprint of Candlewick Press.

Macintyre Corporate Finance, led by partner Neil Gillam, approved the offer document under the FSMA 2000.

Templar is Bonnier’s second major UK acquisition, since it was established in 2004 under managing director Des Higgins. Maria Curman, president of Bonnier Books, said: “Bonnier has a 200-year history in book publishing and I’m confident we’ll be able to build on Templar’s success to date.”