The independent book publisher Quercus Publishing has reported a good end to the 2009 financial year. Strong trading in both the Trade Publishing (which posted double digit sales growth) and Contract Publishing divisions means that results for the year to 31st December 2009 are expected to be ahead of expectations.

The continued success of the company’s Stieg Larsson trilogy was one of the highlights of the year. A film of the first book in the series, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, is set to be released in early 2010 and on the back of this the firm is optimistic about the continued good performance of the series.

At a mid-price of 25p Quercus Publishing is capitalised at £4.39 million. This second positive trading update within as many months provides further evidence that the 2009 results will show top-line growth. It is also particularly encouraging that the trade division saw double digit growth in a year when the wider book market declined and saw the closure of retailer Borders just before Christmas. With a modest profit now expected for 2009 we hope the worst of the recession is behind it and that Quercus can continue to build in 2010. At worst a hold.