Bertelsmann, which also owns broadcast, music and online businesses, said it would buy publisher Simon & Schuster.  (Photo: Michael Sohn / AP)

Berlin, November 26 (RHC)-- German media giant Bertelsmann said Wednesday that it is buying publisher Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.17 billion in cash.  Bertelsmann says the New York-based firm, whose authors include Stephen King, Hillary Clinton and John Irving, will become a unit within its book-publishing division Penguin Random House.

“Simon & Schuster strengthens Bertelsmann’s footprint globally, and particular in the United States, its second-largest market,” the Guetersloh-based company said in a statement.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close during 2021.

Bertelsmann said Simon & Schuster’s current president and chief executive, Jonathan Karp, will continue to lead the publishing house.  Bertelsmann, which was founded in 1835 and also owns a broad portfolio of broadcast, music and online businesses, has been the sole owner of Penguin Random House since April.