Cork book publisher Oak Tree Press has been acquired by Swiss firm JMB Verlag and is now part of the Corporate Group, an international publishing entity operating in Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland.
Oak Tree Press, led by Brian O’Kane, is Ireland’s leading business book publisher, with a focus on publishing information, advice and resources for entrepreneurs and managers.
O'Kane has written or co-written over 20 books and ebooks, including the best-selling Starting a Business in Ireland and Starting Your Own Business: A Workbook.
The Oak Tree Press founder holds a B.Comm degree from UCD, a Master’s in Business from SETU, and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Rita O'Kane was the publishing house sales director for over 20 years. Before that she was a corporate catering manager, numbering Digital Equipment Corporation in Galway and AIB among her clients.
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Brian O'Kane commented: “Oak Tree Press’s reputation in the Irish market and abroad has been built over the past 30 years through the dedication of our authors, publishing team and suppliers, as well as through the support of our customers – individual, organisational and trade.
“Corporate Group is an excellent fit for Oak Tree Press and offers new opportunities for our titles and authors. I am excited for the future development of the business and look forward to working as part of a wider international team.”
Founded in 1990 by Axel Neefs and Pierre Delroisse and based in Brussels, Corporate Group is a group of specialist publishing companies, in the areas of finance, law, tax and business generally, as well accountancy and investment management software. JMB Verlag is a subsidiary.
With a catalogue of c.500 books in several languages, the group employs 20 people.
Axel Neefs commented: “We are delighted to add this Irish gem to our publishing crown. We are convinced that the many titles developed by Brian and Rita O’Kane over the last 30 years and the licensing contracts initiated across the world represent an open door to diversity and development of both catalogues."
Oak Tree’s upcoming releases include Show Time! 3e, the third edition of Elizabeth P. Tierney’s guide to successful presentations.
The popular book offers advice on overcoming barriers to communication; using relaxation techniques to handle your nerves; understanding your audience; improving the physical aspects such as posture, voice and attire; using notes effectively; and designing clear visuals and handouts.
Photo: Oak Tree Press published 'The Art of Asking the Right Questions' by Caroline McEnery (centre) in 2017
