Dive Brief:

• Hachette Book Group has announced its intention to acquire Perseus Books Group, the sixth-largest publisher in the U.S.

• Perseus is a nonfiction-focused publisher that boosts Hachette’s diversity as well as its size. One publishing expert told the New York Times that the move is a “quantum leap” for Hachette, and that “in one fell swoop this broadens them enormously.”

• Perseum imprints include Da Capo Press, Basic Books, and Avalon Travel and its authors include prominent writers.

Dive Insight:

The acquisition of Perseus Books Group, which is expected to close by the end of the month, would increase Hachette Book Group’s diversity and growth. The French publisher said the move is meant to do just that, mix up and boost its business, especially in the U.S. But it could also help it gain some strength in its ongoing battle with Amazon over e-book sales.