Bingley digital publisher Emerald secures £27.5m financing package to support 'ambitious growth plans'

Bingley-headquartered Emerald Group Publishing is set to experience further growth after securing a £27.5m financing package with Barclays and HSBC.

Emerald, which employs around 400 people globally, generates over £40m of turnover principally through publishing academic journals and books. However, in recent years Emerald has acquired Research Media in 2013 and Good Practice in 2015.

Emerald is now able to accelerate its growth plans by launching news products and acquiring digital businesses in the research and learning markets over the medium term.

Though headquartered in Bingley, more than 80% of Emerald’s revenues comes from overseas markets. The company has offices in 12 international locations such as Beijing, Boston and New Delhi.

Simon Cox, group finance director, said: “Emerald is strongly positioned to continue its 50-year growth story, despite the current political and economic turbulence.

“Our international diversity is a key strength and allows us to take a global perspective on risk and growth opportunities.

“We’re delighted to have agreed a flexible financing package with Barclays and HSBC that will support our ambitious growth plans and accelerate our acquisition programme.

“We need to be continually developing our offering and developing the ideas, skills and technologies that drive us to innovate and evolve.”

Jamie Farrell, director from Barclays, added: “We’ve had a very successful partnership with Emerald for almost 50 years and have enjoyed being part of the group’s development. We look forward to working alongside them for a further 50 years!”

Wayne Shadlock, relationship director from HSBC, commented: “HSBC has an excellent relationship with Emerald across a number of international markets.

“It’s a high quality business with an excellent management team and exciting growth plans. We are delighted to be part of that story going forward.”

Emerald was advised by Anna Robson and Charlotte Hall of DLA, and Barclays and HSBC were advised by Phil Scott of Pinsent Masons.

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