2 book giants in global deal to sell titles via Internet
Article Abstract:
Barnes & Noble and Bertelsmann A.G. have planned agreement to distribute books via Barnes & Noble's electronic subsidiary, Barnesnoble.com. Through this arrangement, the German publisher will pay $200 million for a 50% stake in Barnesnoble.com. The two partners will also invest about $100 million into the venture, one which Barnes & Noble chief executive Leonard Riggio believes will ultimately enable any book buyer to purchase any title on the planet in a variety of languages. Bertelsmann chairman and chief executive Thomas Middelhoff stated that the new arrangement would have no effect on the management of his company, which will remain decentralized.
Comment:
Barnes & Noble, Bertelsmann, form JV to sell books electronically
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
For sale: on-line bookstore's recommendations
Article Abstract:
Online bookseller Amazon.com is coming under scrutiny for marketing practices that may be damaging to their own reputation and misleading to consumers. When patrons are shopping online, they are given recommendations by Amazon.com staff which they believe to be unbiased opinions. However, it has come to light that some publishers are paying for the privilege of being on the "recommended" list. A title on this list can sell thousands of copies and publishers are willing to pay Amazon.com to have their titles recommended.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Breaking the publishing mold; a new book empire your mother would love. Sales of textbooks continuing to defy gloomy predictions
- Abstracts: The unmaking of the "uncola": After years of decline, new owner plots revival at 7-Up. Putting Africa on Coke's map
- Abstracts: Phone giant to acquire Bay Networks: Northern Telecom set to pay $9.1 billion. A British phone company looks to America
- Abstracts: I.B.M. begins making fast, cheaper chip. Finding cellular callers in an emergency. Software flaw allows viruses within E-mail
- Abstracts: Xtra to be sold for $976 million to group led by Interpool, Apollo. Cendant CEO's wealth melts with share price