PEP left as front-runner for Borders as Dymocks withdraws bid
According to a Reuters news story, Dymocks has withdrawn its bid for the 24 Borders stores in Australia and New Zealand, seemingly leaving a ‘final' bid by Angus & Robertson/Whitcoulls...
PEP launches bid for Borders
Pacific Equity Partners, the private equity owners of Angus & Robertson in Australia and Whitcoull's in New Zealand, has lodged an ‘indicative bid' for the 24 Borders stores in both countries,...
Berkelouw Books bidding for Borders?
The Berkelouw Books chain has ‘emerged as a strong contender' to buy the Australasian operations of the Borders bookselling chain, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald. The...
APA ‘outraged’ by A&R publisher contributions; criticism grows from trade and public
The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has taken the unprecedented step of publicly criticising a book retailer, with the association releasing a statement today (Friday) stating that its members are ‘outraged...
‘Strong interest’ in Borders from trade and private equity
KPMG, sale advisors to the Borders bookselling chain, have reported ‘strong interest' in the chain's Australian and New Zealand operations from trade and private equity firms, according to a Reuters...
Thomson sold to private equity
The Thomson Corporation has announced the sale of its higher education, careers and library reference assets, which include Thomson Learning Australia, in a US$7.75 billion (A$9.32 billion) deal with private...
PEP taking a ‘close look’ at Borders
Private equity company Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), the owner of Angus & Roberston in Australia and Whitcoulls in New Zealand, is reportedly ‘closely looking at a deal' to buy the...
Coles rejects Wesfarmers/PEP bid; KKR back in the running
The ongoing saga of who will own the Coles Group has taken another two turns in recent days.First, the board of Coles rejected the $20 million bid by Wesfarmers and...
Wolters Kluwer sells education arm for a billion
Dutch-based international professional publisher Wolters Kluwer, the parent company of CCH Australia, has announced the sale of its European educational division to UK investment fund Bridgepoint Capital for €774 million...
Private equity bid for Funtastic?
Funtastic has been approached by a potential takeover bidder, believed to be a private equity group.Funtastic ‘has only just commenced considering the proposal' from the unnamed bidder and ‘has had...
Pearson subject of private-equity takeover?
Speculation has been mounting in recent weeks over a possible takeover bid for Pearson, parent company of Penguin and Pearson Education. A Reuters report on 17 January 2007 noted that...