Fears that Bertram sale may reduce competition
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is investigating Woolworths' acquisition of book wholesaler Bertram Group and has referred its case to the Competition Commission.
The OFT has decided the purchase could significantly reduce competition in the book wholesaling sector.
Woolworths' entertainment wholesaling subsidiary Entertainment UK paid£29 million for Bertram Group in January, with the aim of expanding its domestic and international book sales.
The retailer said it is 'disappointed' that a referral is considered necessary, but intends to fully co-operate with the Competition Commission's inquiry, with the objective of obtaining a 'satisfactory outcome'.
Bertram Group is a leading wholesaler and distributor of books to libraries, schools, universities and educational institutions in the UK and the rest of the world.
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