Amsterdam University Press Acquires ATF Press Publishing Group, Expanding Its Portfolio in Theology, Religious Studies, and Social Ethics
ATF Press’s established series and collections will continue as an AUP imprint, and the existing backlist, including English translations of key works in theology, will be preserved and made more widely accessible in print and electronic formats through AUP’s global distribution network. Some titles will be made easily available to international scholars for the first time ever.
Central to the transition is the ongoing involvement of Hilary Regan, who has served as Executive Officer and Publisher of ATF Press for 34 years. Mr. Regan will continue in a commissioning editor role, working closely with new ATF Managing Director Jörg Persch.
A Strategic Expansion in Theological and Religious Studies Publishing
Jan-Peter Wissink, Director of Amsterdam University Press, described the acquisition as a significant milestone for the press:
“ATF Press has an impressive history of internationalization, including translations, and an extensive backlist covering theology, history, and social ethics. Its inclusion within Amsterdam University Press represents an exciting new chapter for us and will significantly expand our list of theological and religious publications.”
ATF Press: A Legacy of Australian Academic Publishing
Professor Paul Babie, Chair of ATF Press (Australia) Ltd., welcomed the new stage for ATF’s development as a recognized participant in the international academic publishing market:
“We are proud of our history as an independent publisher, and our contribution to theology as a science. With this acquisition, our backlist will be in capable hands to ensure continuity. Other publishing houses in this region have come and gone, but we have survived—a mark of international recognition of what we have achieved.”
Professor Babie extended his gratitude to all board members past and present, authors, editors, committee members, and volunteers whose collective efforts have shaped ATF Press over the years.
A reception to mark the acquisition will be held in Adelaide on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) International Meeting (July 5–9, 2026). The event will serve as a celebration of ATF’s publishing history and an outlook on what the partnership with AUP will bring to its authors, partners, and friends.
Distribution and Availability
The full integration of ATF Press’s backlist is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. All titles, including new commissions, will be available through the Amsterdam University Press website and distributed internationally by Taylor & Francis after 1 December 2026. Until then, the existing distribution agreements remain in place.
About Amsterdam University Press: Amsterdam University Press is a leading international academic publisher specializing in the humanities, social sciences, and law, with a global reach across research libraries, universities, and scholarly communities. AUP’s portfolio already features Central European University Press, as well as a Dutch-language academic program and over 50 journal publications. www.aup.nl
About ATF Press Publishing Group: Founded in Adelaide, Australia, in 1993, ATF Press Publishing Group has grown into a significant Australia-based independent publisher of international importance. ATF publishes influential books and journals with a focus on ethical and social issues, including the environment, science, space exploration, art, and religion.
Contact: Kat Baier — Head of Sales, Marketing and Platforms, Amsterdam University Press
Email: k.baier@aup.nl