Another well-known independent bookstore brand has been sold to Barnes & Noble, as Joseph-Beth Booksellers announced the sale of “their two bookstores and bistros located at The Mall at Lexington Green in Lexington, Ky. and Rookwood Pavilion in Cincinnati, Ohio.” Store owner and chair Robert Langley said in the announcement, “This decision was made for the continued success of Joseph-Beth Booksellers. For 40 years, Joseph-Beth has been more than a bookstore. It has been a gathering place for readers, families, local authors, teachers and neighbors. In honoring its importance to the communities its two stores serve and to support its […]
Bookselling
Watch Mitchell Kaplan
The owner of Books and Books and co-founder of the Miami International Book Fair Mitchell Kaplan has a nice two-minute interview with Miami New Times as the fair celebrates its 25th anniversary of bringing major authors to Miami.
Papers Say Direct Group France Sale Planned
Le Figaro and Les Echos have reported that Bertelsmann is working with Morgan Stanley to elicit offers for the Direct Group France division, which comprises both book clubs and the France Loisirs bookstore chain. One paper estimates the group could sell for 300 million euros, and the business newspaper says the sale could begin in September. But a spokesman for Bertelsmann said that no decision has been made yet, adding that “the news over the timing and the price are pure speculation.” Reuters In a broader story, FT Germany says the Bertelsmann has decided to sell off the Direct Group […]