18th August, 2015
Bible Society Australia has acquired Christian book retailer Koorong in a deal which it says will increase access to the Bible around the globe.
Dr Greg Clarke, CEO of the Bible Society, described the deal as a “match made in heaven”. “Bible Society and Koorong share a common goal and we believe that by coming together, we have the potential to transform hundreds of thousands of lives,” he said.
He said the deal meant the Bible Society would now be able to share its “important Bible work with, and garner support from” Koorong customers. “What’s more, those who shop at Koorong can now know that their purchases will fund even more Bible mission projects here and around the world.”
Dr Clarke said while Bible Society Australia had established more than 100 international programs, a huge number of projects were still unfunded.
“In China, demand for Bibles outstrips supply and more than 54 million people there are still illiterate,” he said. “In Pakistan, women have one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, and in Zambia, the need for support is at a critical level.”
Paul Bootes, the managing director of Koorong – which sells a range of Christian products through its 15 stores around Australia and online, said the company’s 300 staff will all be retained. “We’re thrilled with the new partnership as it allows us to both share the important resources that mean so much to our fellow Christians and support vital missions around the world.”
– DAVID ADAMS
