News

OFT set to probe Book Depository deal

05.07.11 | Lisa Campbell

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced it is to investigate Amazon’s acquisition of The Book Depository.

The official body has issued an “invitation to comment” notice asking for written representations about “any competition or public interest issues” with Amazon’s move to acquire the UK-based online book retailer, which was announced yesterday. A spokesman for the OFT said the invitation “effectively starts our merger enquiry”.

The OFT will look at whether the takeover could be expected to lead to "a substantial lessening of competition" in any markets within the United Kingdom. If so, the merger will be referred to the Competition Commission for an investigation and report.

Comments must be submitted by 18th July and the OFT said it expects to reach a decision by 30th August. Written representations about any competition or public interest issues can be sent to Tim Geer, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8JX. Or comments can be sent via the OFT website.

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By Hello Autumn Friends

Let's hope that they come to a fair decision about this just like they did when waterstone's wanted to take over Ottakar's. Oh, hang on ....

Tue, 05/07/2011 - 20:42
By Graham Smith

OK, then. It seems that Stephen Phillips MP has got the ball rolling with the Office of Fair Trade.

It's now down to you folks, who understand the book trade far better than I do, to provide the OFT with evidence showing that Amazon's proposed takeover of the Book Depository will lead to a substantial lessening of competition.

Wed, 06/07/2011 - 01:35
By billy's brother

even with all the competition amazon AND book depository sell books at 40 - 50 -55 % discounts, the consumer needs to say why this is bad, for the book trade, esp indies and waterstones to an extent, this is darn great news.

Wed, 06/07/2011 - 09:07

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