The Quarto Group

Illustrated publishing has defined The Quarto Group since its founding in the 1970s, when it was established in response to the high cost of producing illustrated books. The group develops books through a portfolio of publishing imprints and maintains programmes for both adult and children's readers. Its children's activity became a strategic priority with the launch of Wide Eyed Editions in 2014, followed by the introduction of Happy Yak and the renewed Ivy Kids programme in 2021. In 2023, the group broadened its publishing activity with Kaddo, its first imprint for gift products.

The group has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, adding Ivy Press in 2015 and becker&mayer! in 2016 after selling non-core businesses in 2012. Rights and sales operations form part of its publishing business, including work in English-language co-edition markets and foreign rights for publication in other languages and territories. Production relies on suppliers for printing, manufacturing, distribution, recycling, and disposal of printed books. Its environmental approach addresses those activities through supplier engagement and ethical manufacturing standards using ICTI Care processes. Following a decision to seek greater management flexibility amid market changes, the company completed its delisting from the London Stock Exchange in January 2024.