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Got the
Sweet Exit Deal:

Esther Vincent on the Sale of Marginal Distribution

by Miriam Stucky

As of September 1st Marginal Distribution, the Peterborough-based distributor of alternative books and magazines, is moving to Ajax. The move is part of a deal that will see it become a division of Doormouse, Canada's largest alternative magazine distributor.

After seven years in the biz, owners Ryan Kerr and Esther Vincent decided to sell in order to "ensure Marginal's survival in an uncertain market," and allow them to "more fully pursue their artistic careers." Not unlike the feeling she had when they bought the business, Esther says "it's not gonna make sense 'till it's been happening for a while."

Though Marginal was in the enviable position of having a few suitors, Esther describes the two-year search for a buyer as stressful. The process of narrowing it down to the most appropriate buyer, and the seemingly long timeframe to complete the sale, was trying.

As well as recouping about what they put in seven years ago, the Doormouse deal will see Ryan and Esther continue with the business in the so very '90s role of "Consultants" - those who bring home about the same as before and put in half as many hours. Jack 'zine will be carefully studying their business plan in an effort to do the same. Congrats indeed.

Esther seems excited to keep on with Marginal, working with books and people who care about the way that information and entertainment is produced, bought and sold. Her dream for the longer term is to see Marginal get in to publishing.

We can expect Ryan and Esther to continue in their too-literate lives, keeping a finger on the pulse of a book industry in crisis, and planing more vacations to Ontario book stores.

You can search Marginal's 2500 title catalogue online at www.marginalbook.com, or call them at 745-2326 for a print copy.

high points:

§ all the cool books
§ being able to cram one's head
so full it actually splits open
§ all the cool people
§ being able to support developing publishers, knowing we helped them get where they are.

low points:

§ having $1500 worth of books burned by Canada Customs in 1998 because they were deemed obscene (potential high point may yet be the opportunity to rat them out to the Supreme Court)
§ working so freakin' hard and making no $
§ Chapters