STL Distribution and Authentic Media get new owners.

IBS-STL (formerly known as STL) have announced the sale of two of its three trading divisions: Authentic Media and STL Distribution. Authentic Music based in Milton Keynes has been bought by Kingsway Communications operating from Eastbourne. Authentic Book Publishing and eight Wesley Owen bookshops (In Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Bromley, Coleraeine, Derby, Glasgow and York) have been bought by Koorong, an Australian-based ministry which operates 18 stores throughout its homeland.

STL Distribution has been purchased by John Ritchie Ltd, a rapidly expanding book publisher and distributor based in Kilmarnock, Scotland. John Ritchie Ltd has purchased all of STL's Carlisle properties and intends to retain Carlisle as a major base of operation. The business will continue to trade as STL Distribution. John Ritchie Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lord's Work Trust which supports Christian outreach and projects around the world. All profits from the business are returned to the Trust.

A further six Wesley Owen stores (Bolton, Cambridge, Coventry, Guildford, Kingston and Stockport) have been acquired by CLC International (UK) whose head office is in Alresford, Hampshire, and whose stores operate as CLC Bookshops. There are ongoing discussions with a number of local groups about the possible sale of the remaining 26 Wesley Owen stores.
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