Biblica has announced its renewed license with Zondervan for the newly updated New International Reader's Version (NIrV) translation. The license grants Zondervan the exclusive commercial and non-exclusive non-commercial rights to publish the Anglicized edition of the NIrV, in addition to the Americanized edition. With this contract, Zondervan becomes the exclusive commercial publisher of the NIrV of American and British editions for North America, the United Kingdom (U.K.), the European Union (E.U.) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

First published in 1995, the NIrV is an English Bible translation based on the New International Version (NIV). The NIrV was developed for those who read at a lower level, using simpler words and shorter sentences.

“Zondervan upholds the mission to inspire young lives, awaken hearts, and touch souls with Bibles specially designed for children and those who are learning to read,” said Annette Bourland, senior vice president of publishing. “Our partnership with Biblica on the NIrV translation helps us fulfill our mission by bringing the inspired Word of God to children in a way that they can read for themselves and understand.”

“Zondervan has been an effective publishing partner on behalf of the NIrV in North America for over 20 years," said Scott Bolinder, executive vice president at Biblica. "We are delighted to now extend their influence, including the Anglicized edition of the NIrV, to the U.K., E.U. and EFTA territories.”

The licensing partnership between Zondervan and Biblica will offer new benefits to retailers throughout Europe and the U.K. This agreement helps Zondervan fill a publishing gap in the international market by making Anglicized NIrV product available to retailers.

In addition, Zondervan will work closely with Biblica to offer low-cost NIrV ministry products for evangelistic use. Zondervan also publishes NIrV Bibles for ESL (English as a Second Language) readers and anyone who reads at a lower level.