The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Barnes & Noble is unlikely to bid
on its rival, which is slashing jobs and selling assets. In March
Borders hired J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Merrill Lynch & Co.
to explore strategic alternatives, including the sale of all or part of
its business, prompting a Barnes & Nobles executive to say that it would consider buying its rival if approached. Borders hopes to have completed its auction by next month, the Journal said. The book seller has already sold 30 stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to A&R Whitcoulls Group Holdings Pty. Ltd. for $104 million. - George White
