His desire was to create "fine books with the common touch" which remains the foundation of its commercial success.
It owned an interest in the Australian independent paperback publisher Sun Books from 1968 until 1971 when Macmillan Australia acquired that company.
[2] In 1975 the Hamlyn Group acquired "a 51 per cent control of Hanna Barbera Australia, an animation production house" and in 1978, James Hardie Industries purchased the Hamlyn Group, thereby "taking control of Hanna Barbera Australia, as well as Rigby Publishers".
Since 2003 the publisher has made two significant acquisitions: Godsfield Press was acquired by Hamlyn in October 2003.
It is a niche international publisher of illustrated books for the spirituality and alternative health market.