Harlequin Spices Things Up in India

TORONTO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- India, birthplace of the famed Kama Sutra, will soon have a new guilty pleasure thanks to Harlequin Enterprises Limited, one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction. Harlequin announced today that the company has expanded its international operations into India through a wholly owned venture known as Harlequin Mills & Boon (India) Pvt. Ltd. (HMBI).

For the past six decades Harlequin Mills & Boon U.K. has been exporting books to India, where the Mills & Boon brand has developed a substantial following. Recently the decision was made to expand Harlequin's presence in the Indian market and to print and distribute all books locally. Harlequin has entered an exclusive distribution partnership with India Today Group, India's largest magazine distributor.

"We are thrilled about the opportunity to expand into the large and rapidly growing Indian market," said Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO, Harlequin Enterprises. "Indian readers have been loyal and dedicated fans of Mills & Boon novels for many years and we're very excited about India's growing appetite and demand for romance fiction. Setting up local operations and distribution will make the Mills & Boon brand available to our Indian readers as never before."

As the world's largest democracy, with an expansive economy and population of more than one billion, India is increasingly a hot spot for investment. The changing retail landscape in India has created an exciting opportunity and welcoming environment for expansion and growth. Through the network of distribution partner India Today Group, HMBI will have access to more than 10,000 outlets across the country. With 10 new romance titles per month in three series -- Modern, Romance and Desire -- Mills & Boon will be available everywhere, to millions of romance enthusiasts.

"At the price of Rs. 99, Mills & Boon titles will be affordable and accessible love stories for the modern Indian woman," said Hayes. "The strong combination of value pricing with a large distribution network will help to create a thriving new generation of Mills & Boon readers. We are certain that existing Mills & Boon readers in India will also welcome this increased access."

HMBI will be led by a new Country Manager who will be based out of Mumbai and will be supported by a local management and operational model. The multimillion-dollar investment supports hiring of local staff and suppliers, including the local printing and distribution of all new titles.

While operations were getting up to speed, the official launch of this new publishing venture occurred at a high-profile reception for key business and industry individuals on February 4 during the 18th New Delhi World Book Fair. HMBI also had a strong presence at the book fair to let consumers, retailers and Mills & Boon lovers know that Mills & Boon is back and bigger than ever.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 26 languages and sold in 109 international markets. The company releases 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 17 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.