Penguin to sit on REDgroup online

Online book sales through Borders and Angus & Robertson will continue as Pearson Australia snaps up the websites and distribution centres, saving 16 jobs.

Steve Sherman, administrator at Ferrier Hodgson says the sale would preserve all 16 jobs affiliated with the online businesses. “I am pleased we have been able to save these jobs and preserve the online business which has a significant profile within Australian book retailing.”

eBook retailer Kobo retains access to eBooks purchased through the Australian REDgroup online sites following agreements with Person.

The remaining 16 bookstores are due to close before the end of July, yet two Queensland-based Angus & Robertson stores have been sold. The Harbourtown and Carindale stores will continue to operate under different owners and different names.

Depending on the sell-through of stock, some stores may close earlier, while negotiations continue over the future of a third Queensland store.

Pearson Group’s Australian businesses include Penguin Group Australia, Pearson Australia, The Learning Ladder and United Book Distributors.