Independent Publishers Group Expands Global Portfolio

Coinciding with the start of the Frankfurt Book Fair this week, Independent Publishers Group (IPG) announced it has expanded its North American sales and distribution network by signing five new international publishers. The expansion strengthens IPG’s trade distribution reach across several key sectors, including children’s literature, pop culture art, African and diaspora fiction, educational support, and Australian young adult publishing.

The new additions join IPG’s roster on rolling distribution timelines starting in late 2026 and extending into spring 2027:

• Cassava Republic Press (Effective November 1, 2026): Founded in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2006 and expanded to London in 2016, the award-winning independent publisher specializes in literary fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature from Africa and its diaspora. Known for championing unique international voices, Cassava Republic Press will distribute its list across the U.S. and Canada.

• Pegasus Books (Effective January 1, 2027): Operating as the children’s imprint of India’s B. Jain Publishers, Pegasus brings a catalog of over 2,000 children's titles translated into more than 30 languages. Focused on screen-free, curiosity-driven literature, the publisher will join IPG’s sales and distribution programs for North American markets.

  
  

• Pop Icons (Effective January 1, 2027): Published under Financière de Loisirs and its media branch L'Écran Fantastique, Pop Icons produces heavily illustrated biographical book-magazines detailing iconic pop culture figures, from Stephen King to J.R.R. Tolkien. Each release features 60 to 70 illustrations created by prominent independent comic book artists.

  
  

• Rhiza Press (Effective January 1, 2027): Based in Australia, this boutique independent publisher brings a varied catalog to North America, including primary school children's titles under its Wombat Books imprint, young adult literature through Rhiza Edge, and specialized titles for reluctant readers via Rhiza Shorts.

  
  

• Erickson International (Effective May 1, 2027): A prominent Italian educational publisher established in 1984, Erickson specializes in scientific research-backed practical tools for inclusive education, special needs support, ADHD, dyslexia, and social work. IPG will oversee the North American launch of Erickson’s expanding English-language publishing program.

  
  

"With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide," the distributor noted in the release.

Founded in 1971 as the first organization dedicated to marketing independent presses to the broader book trade, IPG provides full-service print and digital distribution, digital printing, and publisher support. IPG is owned by Chicago Review Press, Inc., which also owns Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.