Harlequin Announces New Licensee in Russia

TORONTO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited (www.eHarlequin.com), a global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, announced today a new licensing deal in Russia with ZAO (Izdatelstvo Centrepolygraph), one of that country's foremost publishing houses.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20061005/NYTH110LOGO-d )

"We are thrilled to be working with Centrepolygraph in Russia," said Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO, Harlequin Enterprises Limited. "Russian readers are enthusiastic Harlequin readers and we're very excited to meet the country's growing appetite for women's fiction with as beloved and respected a publisher as Centrepolygraph in our corner."

"We are delighted to be partnered with a publisher of Harlequin's stature," said Nickolai Aleshin, General Director of Centrepolygraph. "Harlequin Russia is a unique endeavour, with books designed to entertain, enrich and inspire Russian readers."

Centrepolygraph will publish novels by international bestselling authors in both hardcover and paperback, as well as series romance in the mass-market paperback format. Centrepolygraph plans to release more than 170 titles in their first year, most under the Harlequin logo and trademark, and has worldwide rights to publish Harlequin titles in the Russian language.

Harlequin recognizes a rapidly growing market in Europe and Asia.  In 2008, the publisher launched an office in Mumbai, India, to print and distribute books locally.  In the first half of 2010, the women's publishing giant has already opened an office in Turkey and acquired full ownership of their German operation.  In the past 18 months, Harlequin has also signed new licensing deals in Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.  Harlequin currently has licensees in 15 countries.

About Harlequin Enterprises

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, with titles issued worldwide in 32 languages and sold in 115 international markets. The company produces over 110 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,100 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.B). Harlequin's website is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 19 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.

About Centrepolygraph

ZAO (Izdatelstvo Centrepolygraph) is one of the largest private publishing houses in Russia. It was established in 1991 and is now one of the top 10 Russian publishing houses. Centrepolygraph offers readers a wide range of titles -- from outstanding novels of known classic authors to the best contemporary novels. Among the genres published are Russian and foreign classics, contemporary novels, detectives and suspense including intellectual and adventure detectives; romance; foreign fantasy; business literature; study books; dictionaries and encyclopedias; science and applied fiction, nonfiction.  The main print run is over 6,000,000 copies per year, 15% of which is women's fiction: mysteries, romances, family stories by Russian and foreign authors.

SOURCE Harlequin Enterprises Limited