Region. Bookseller loses business

REDgroup, which has Angus & Robertson and Borders bookstore outlets in Western Sydney, is considering cutting jobs as consumer expenditure falls and Australian booksellers lose business to the internet. It is believed any job losses will not be at its stores as it strives to maintain customer service but it will focus instead on reducing its headcount in back-office operations and administration. The chief executive, David Fenlon, resigned last week. The company has denied industry speculation his departure was over the business's financial woes and rather was for personal reasons.

Region. Borders enters e-book market

International bookseller, Borders, which has four outlets in the region, has entered the e-book market in Australia with the launch of its digital bookstore. Borders is expected to undercut its nearest rival, the Amazon Kindle, which could cause prices to tumble on titles on both platforms, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Apple launches its iPad in Australia on May 28 and Google's online international bookstore, called Editions, is expected to go live in July.

Borders sold to a competitor

Borders bookstores in Parramatta, Macarthur Square, Campbelltown and Macquarie Park, North Ryde, are included in the sale of the company’s 30 stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, to private equity firm, Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), for $110 million. PEP owns competitor Angus & Robertson.