Christian publishing leader Mark Kuyper has a message for critics of HarperCollins Publishers' planned purchase of Thomas Nelson.

The president and CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) said that announcement of the acquisition that would make HarperCollins owner of Christian publishing's two biggest companies—the other being currently held Zondervan—had been “surprising to many and unwelcome to some.”

In a message to ECPA members, Kuyper wrote of having read and heard “some bemoan the prospect of a domineering, controlling behemoth in the industry, while others welcome the opportunity to differentiate themselves from the giant.”

Some Christian retailers have expressed concern about the move in online comments. One posted in a Facebook group: “I can make the economic arguments for why this may be happening, but I think the depth and breadth of product will suffer, and I don't see the long-term benefit for our industry. We're too small a niche.”

Though the full impact of one company owning two of the largest publishing houses in the industry had yet to be realized, “we can acknowledge and appreciate the potential synergies and efficiencies this represents in our common goal of moving more Christian product to more people,” he said.

“In spite of the twists and turns in consumer behavior, technology and the economy, Christian publishing is a dynamic, innovative industry bursting with potential and impacting lives for Christ—whether operated as independents or as large public corporations,” he added.

ECPA remained committed to supporting the industry through networking, information and advocacy programs, he said, so that members could “continue to make the Christian message.”

The purchase is expected to close by Dec. 31, subject to regulatory clearances. Though each company will retain its mission and focus and remain in its current location—Nelson in Nashville and Zondervan in Grand Rapids, Mich.—some consolidation is expected, likely impacting the workforces (Nelson, 400, Zondervan 300).

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