OverDrive technology and distribution infrastructure to power customized Baker & Taylor platform for downloadable digital media

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – May 26, 2009 – Baker & Taylor, Inc., the world’s largest distributor of books and entertainment products, today announced a long-term digital distribution and technology licensing agreement with OverDrive to provide customers with downloadable e-books, audio books, music and video, and related services.  This partnership provides Baker & Taylor world-class infrastructure for distributing digital content.

“Baker & Taylor continues to enhance its digital media distribution platform with the best technologies available in the market,” said Tom Morgan, CEO of Baker & Taylor. “We are executing on Baker & Taylor’s strategic vision to be the industry leader in the distribution of bundled physical and digital media to our customers worldwide.”

Over the coming months, Baker & Taylor will be offering a private label Digital Media Library – powered by OverDrive – to its library customers worldwide.  In addition, Baker & Taylor will enable its retailers to purchase digital media that their customers can then download, transfer and playback on a variety of devices.

“The market timing for this alliance is perfect.  The demand for digital media is exploding, and Baker & Taylor is in a prime position to give customers a bundled solution – digital content in multiple formats along with physical media,” said Steve Potash, CEO of OverDrive.  “OverDrive technology will provide Baker & Taylor customers worldwide the ability to securely manage, protect and fulfill orders for premium digital media.”

For suppliers, Baker & Taylor is now uniquely positioned to better merchandise and monetize their content in multiple formats to multiple devices throughout its vast customer base worldwide.

“We are excited to bring superior digital media products and value-added services to our loyal customer base, and integrating the best technologies available is a key component of our digital strategy,” said Bob Nelson, Executive Vice President for Global Business Development. “Adding digital media to our current offerings allows our retailers and library customers to buy additional products and services in a more efficient process from one trusted source.”

 

About Baker & Taylor

Baker & Taylor, Inc. (www.btol.com) is a global information and entertainment services company that offers print and digital books and entertainment products along with value-added services to libraries, educational institutions and retailers. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company has been in existence for more than 180 years, developing long-term relationships with major suppliers, including book publishers, movie studios, and music labels. Baker & Taylor maintains one of the largest combined in-stock book, video and music inventories in the United States, and services the broadest customer base in the industry. Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., a leading private equity investment firm.

About OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading global digital distributor of e-books, audio books, music and video. OverDrive delivers secure management, protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools and retailers, serving millions of end users. OverDrive also operates the Digital Bookmobile (www.digitalbookmobile.com), a high-tech 18-wheeler traveling North America on behalf of public libraries to raise awareness about free digital book downloads. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio. www.overdrive.com

 

 

Media Contacts:

Baker & Taylor

Amy Baldwin

Amy.Baldwin@btol.com

704-998-3136

 

OverDrive

David Burleigh

dburleigh@overdrive.com

216-573-6886, ext. 218

 

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