Sterling Publishing and AARP Announce Book Publishing Deal

Posted on August 22, 2003

Charles Nurnberg, President and CEO of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Bill Novelli, CEO and Executive Director of AARP announced that an agreement has been reached between the two companies to create and publish books bearing the AARP trademark. Under the terms of the partnership, Sterling and AARP will jointly create a program of at least 8 books a year beginning in Spring 2004 to cover a broad range of subjects on current topics of interest from financial and consumer issues to health and mind enhancement. Sterling will assume the worldwide publishing rights to all future titles. The contract will be managed through AARP Services, Inc, a subsidiary of AARP.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a well-respected organization as AARP," said Nurnberg. "They have terrific programs which appeal to a major and growing segment of the population, a magnificent marketing and direct mail operation and most importantly, excellent content for books targeted to their broad constituency. We look forward to collaborating with their creative team to develop bestsellers and solid backlist."

AARP Services, Inc. (ASI) is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of AARP. ASI manages a range of products and services designed to respond to the broad and diverse needs of the AARP membership. AARP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. They provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of benefits, special products and services for their members.

"For some time, we have been seeking the perfect publishing partner to help us create a successful series of titles dedicated to the interest of our membership and the 50+ population in general," said Novelli. "Sterling's trade and special sales expertise, their commitment to editorial excellence, and their success with publishing and marketing brands make them an ideal partner."

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. is one of the world's leading publishers of nonfiction titles with over 6,000 titles currently in print. Among its best-selling titles are Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, The All New Good Housekeeping Cook Book, Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, Yoga for Wimps, The Illustrated Dream Dictionary and the Poetry for Young People Series. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc.