Cycling and outdoor publisher Cordee sees management buyout

Following 15 years running specialist outdoor publication distributor, Richard Robinson has stepped aside to pursue other avenues. Cordee has been the subject of a management buyout by Chris Balic and Jim Wilson, who have been with the company for some years. Both Chris and Jim have overseen the continuing growth of Cordee in recent years, despite challenging trading conditions, within the book, outdoor, cycle and online trades.

Jim has a keen interest in the outdoors, holds various outdoor qualifications and is involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through local youth organisations. Jim is also a keen cyclist and has recently started competing in triathlons. Going forward Jim will look after the publishers Cordee represents and its operations.

Having been with Cordee for nearly 5 years Chris, a keen runner and skier, has looked after book-trade and internet trade sales. As well as this Chris has been in charge of the firm’s ever-busy map department and will continue to look after these areas.

Under the directorship of Chris and Jim, Cordee say the business will remain flexible, friendly and easy to deal with.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our diverse profile of publishers and customers and exploring new markets. Investment in people and technology in recent years has underpinned a record sales year and this commitment will continue,” said director Jim Wilson.

Cordee started distributing climbing guidebooks over 40 years ago and this is still key today. Cordee is the UK’s largest independent guidebook and map distributor to both the book and outdoor trade, specialising in the sourcing of guidebooks and maps from at home and abroad, from publishers both large and small.

Cordee are contactable on +44 (0)1455 611185.