Book distribution company Readerlink LLC is working towards making a bid for Barnes & Nobles Inc that would top hedge fund Elliott Management Corp’s agreed price to buy the U.S bookseller, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a source.
Last week, Barnes & Noble said it would be bought by Elliott Management Corp for $475.8 million, marking the end of the U.S. book retailer as a public company.
The merger agreement with Elliott has a “keep-shop” provision that says if the company strikes a deal with a third party before 11:59 p.m ET on June 13, Elliott would be entitled to a payment of up to $4 million, the report said, citing a regulatory filing. Thereafter, the breakup fee will be $17.5 million.
If Readerlink can get financing, it would consider making a bid before the cutoff date, the report said, adding that the company may join with another investor.
Readerlink did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while Barnes & Noble and Elliott declined to comment.
Source: Reuters.com