Historic Lithuanian Publisher Vaga Acquired by Lapas

The venerable Lithuanian publishing house Vaga, a cornerstone of the nation's literary landscape since its founding in 1945 and known by its current name since 1964, is set to be acquired by the contemporary publisher Lapas. Over its eight-decade history, Vaga has been instrumental in publishing a vast array of original and translated fiction, including series of world classics and works by Nobel laureates, alongside literary criticism and art publications. It has shaped the libraries of generations of Lithuanian readers.

Lapas, which has established itself as one of Lithuania's most prominent independent publishers in its twelve years of operation, has earned acclaim for its publications in architecture, design, photography, contemporary culture, and fiction. The publishing house has been recognized multiple times in national book art competitions, and was named Publisher of the Year in 2023. Lapas has consistently expanded its publishing volume, international connections, and reader community in recent years.

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Over eight decades, the publishing house Vaga has become an inseparable part of Lithuania's cultural history. The most important thing was to find people who would understand the value of this publishing house and be able to continue it. I am calm that after 31 years of my management, the publishing house Vaga is being transferred to professional hands that understand publishing and see its future.

Vytas V. Petrošius, the shareholder who has led Vaga until now, stated that the decision to transfer ownership was carefully considered with the future of Vaga in mind. He expressed confidence in Lapas's ability to continue Vaga's legacy, noting that the transfer is to the experienced hands of Ūla Ambrasaitė, founder of Lapas. "I am calm that after 31 years of my management, the publishing house Vaga is being transferred to professional hands that understand publishing and see its future," Petrošius said.

Ambrasaitė described the move as more sentimental than purely business-driven. She highlighted her personal connection to Vaga, having grown up surrounded by its books, and her grandfather's role as Vaga's chief editor. "I feel a great responsibility in taking over the publishing house Vaga – both as a successful business and as an entire historical 80-year heritage of Lithuanian fiction publishing," Ambrasaitė stated. She aims to preserve Vaga's name, authority, and cultural significance while infusing it with new energy, emphasizing her trust in the Lapas editorial team.

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This is not so much a business decision as a sentimental step. I am very grateful to Vytas for keeping the historic publishing house in his hands during the most difficult years and deciding to transfer it to the Lapas editorial team. I grew up in a home where the most important element of the living room was always a shelf full of books published by Vaga. I always knew that my grandfather Kazys Ambrasas was the chief editor of Vaga. Although I did not know him, his numerous notes in the books I read indirectly led me to pursue editorial work. Thus, the independent, somewhat avant-garde, and non-profit publishing house Lapas was born. Today, I feel a great responsibility in taking over the publishing house Vaga – both as a successful business and as an entire historical 80-year heritage of Lithuanian fiction publishing. I want the publishing house Vaga to preserve its name, authority, and significance for Lithuanian culture, while discovering new breath. I have only committed to this step because I trust the entire current Lapas editorial team and feel its support.