Caroline Lambe, Angry Robot Books’ Publicity Manager, announced that on Thursday, 25 September 2014, American entrepreneur Etan Ilfeld bought Angry Robot Books, as well as Watkins Publishing (mind, body and spirit books) and Nourish (wellbeing cookbooks) from administration. In addition to saving the jobs of all the employees, Ilfeld is intent on combining these imprints to form a diverse media company, Watkins Media Limited, which includes magazine publishing, a flagship retail store, and mobile apps.

As a die-hard sci-fi fan, Ilfeld is “thrilled about purchasing Angry Robot,” delight which Marc Gascoigne, Angry Robot MD, shares:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to share this great news. There were several companies in the running to buy Angry Robot, but we’re so pleased that our new owner is someone who shares our vision for the imprint, and modern, innovate science fiction publishing. After the brief hiatus while we change hands, we look forward to Angry Robot resuming publication from March of next year, bring you new books from many familiar names and of course some amazing new talent too.”

This purchase reunites Watkins Books and Watkins Publishing after they were split two decades ago. Ilfeld bought Watkins Books from administration in 2010, and has followed suit by acquiring Watkins Publishing last week. Both the Watkins bookshop and publishing imprint were founded by John Watkins in 1893.