InterVarsity Press (IVP) plans to buy Biblica Books, the book-publishing arm of Biblica Worldwide. In the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, IVP will obtain 170 current and nearly 30 new titles, including OperationWorld, the best-selling global prayer guide now in its seventh edition.

Biblica—renamed in 2009 from IBS-STL, formed by the merger of International Bible Society with STL—is publisher of the New International Version and translator of the Bible into more than 100 languages.

Announcing the “definitive agreement” for the sale to IVP, Biblica said the move forward was a strategic decision to narrow its focus solely to the Bible. The search for the right partner for its book-publishing portfolio led to IVP with its missions-focused publishing, networks such as the Urbana Student Missions Conferences and reach in trade and academic markets.

“The addition of Biblica Books is a significant strategy for IVP. This will help us further serve and equip the church in its witness of grace and truth in the world,” said Bob Fryling, publisher of InterVarsity Press. “With this acquisition, IVP becomes an even stronger publisher for biblical and missions-oriented resources.”

Believing that “there could not be a better fit for our authors,” Scott Bolinder, president of global publishing for Biblica, said: “The mission of IVP and Biblica resonates deeply with seeing lives around the world transformed through the Bible and biblical resources.”

IVP plans a strong sales and marketing focus for current Biblica titles starting in January, while the official launch of a new Biblica line will begin in March.

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