Scholastic has agreed to acquire Cottage Door Press for approximately $71 million, expanding its position in early childhood books and novelty publishing. The purchase price remains subject to customary adjustments.
Founded in 2014, Cottage Door is an independent children’s publisher specializing in interactive early childhood books, board books, novelty formats and related products.
The company generated approximately $45 million in net revenue during the 12 months ended May 31, 2026 and was strongly profitable, according to Scholastic.
Cottage Door will be integrated into Scholastic’s Children’s Book Group following the closing.
Scholastic expects Cottage Door’s existing publishing team and entrepreneurial operating model to remain in place, while gaining access to Scholastic’s distribution, school channels, manufacturing capabilities and broader publishing infrastructure.
Cottage Door’s Luna StoryTime interactive electronic toy business is not included in the acquisition and will be separated before closing.
Scholastic expects to finance the transaction through cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary conditions, the Luna StoryTime separation, required third-party consents, new license agreements with certain licensors and approval from shareholders of one seller.
Scholastic expects the transaction to contribute to revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA during fiscal 2027 and become accretive during the second year after closing, including expected synergies.
Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, served as exclusive financial adviser to Cottage Door Press.
KEY QUOTES:
“Cottage Door is a strong strategic fit for Scholastic and an attractive investment in an important growth area of the children’s book market. Dick Maddrell and his team have built one of the fastest growing independent publishers with category-defining formats, concepts and licenses, as well as strong relationships with retailers and families. Bringing their strengths together with Scholastic’s trusted brand, publishing expertise, unique school channels and distribution scale creates meaningful opportunities to build on that momentum and create long-term value.”
Peter Warwick, President and CEO of Scholastic
“Cottage Door brings a distinctive creative vision to publishing for our youngest readers, with an exceptional ability to develop innovative formats that children want to touch, explore and experience. We have long admired both the creativity of Cottage Door’s publishing and the team that brings those books to market. We are thrilled to welcome them to Scholastic and are excited about what we can create together for children and families.”
Sasha Quinton, President of Scholastic’s Children’s Book Group
“I am incredibly proud of what our team has built over the years, and it was deeply gratifying to see how strongly others valued what we have created. Finding the right home for our brand and our team was an important priority. Scholastic not only understands what makes Cottage Door special, but they share a kid-first culture and can help Cottage Door realize its full potential in this next stage of growth.”
Dick Maddrell, Founder and CEO of Cottage Door Press
