Yes, West Academic is owned by Thomson Reuters. It operates as an imprint under the larger Thomson Reuters legal business, which includes Westlaw.
Understanding the Ownership of West Academic
West Academic is a well-known publisher of legal education materials, including textbooks, casebooks, and study aids, primarily for law students. Its ownership traces back to a significant acquisition in the legal publishing industry.
The History of West Publishing and Thomson Reuters
The foundation for West Academic's current ownership lies in the history of West Publishing. West Publishing, a prominent name in legal information, was a standalone entity for many years, known for its extensive collection of legal reporters and scholarly works.
- 1995: West Publishing sought potential purchasers, engaging firms like A.G. Edwards and Goldman Sachs.
- 1996: Thomson Corporation (now part of Thomson Reuters) acquired West Publishing. This acquisition brought West's vast legal content, including its academic publishing arm, under the Thomson umbrella.
- 2008: Thomson Corporation merged with Reuters Group PLC to form Thomson Reuters, solidifying its position as a global leader in information services.
Following this merger, the various divisions and imprints, including those dedicated to academic legal publishing, became part of the broader Thomson Reuters portfolio. Therefore, West Academic is an integral part of Thomson Reuters' comprehensive legal education and research offerings.
The Scope of Thomson Reuters' Legal Business
Thomson Reuters' legal division encompasses a wide array of products and services beyond just academic publishing. Key components include:
- Westlaw: One of the most widely used online legal research services for practitioners, judges, and academics.
- Practical Law: Resources providing practical legal guidance and insights.
- FindLaw: Consumer-focused legal information and lawyer directories.
West Academic complements these offerings by focusing specifically on the needs of law students and legal educators, providing foundational and advanced materials crucial for legal study. Its continued operation under Thomson Reuters ensures its resources are integrated with broader legal information solutions.
