India Today takes over Reader's Digest

"We have taken over the assets and liabilities of Reader's Digest and now it is part of the group," India Today group chief executive Aroon Purie told Business Standard.

The Mumbai-based RDI Print & Publishing Private Ltd has published Reader's Digest for the past 25 years. Reader's Digest has been in India for over 40 years, is currently published only in English and has a circulation of some 500,000.

Purie also indicated that he might look at publishing the magazine in some Indian languages also. "We are delighted to partner with Reader's Digest, one of the world's most popular and respected publications. We look forward to continuing the Digest's editorial traditions and introducing it to a wider audience in India, including eventually expanding the franchise in additional Indian languages," he said.

The company said in the statement that under the agreement between the two companies, Reader's Digest expected a deeper and wider access to the Indian market through the India Today Group's multilingual publishing and multi-channel media interests in magazines, books, television, radio and printing.

"We are proud of the Reader's Digest edition in India and grateful for the careful stewardship of RDI Print & Publishing over the past 25 years. We are exited about the potential of working with the India Today Group and exploring the multiple marketing channels this company has developed in India," said Michael Brernan, vice president, Asia Pacific and Latin America, Reader's Digest.