Microsoft is apparently considering buying part of Barnes & Nobles' Nook business. TechCrunch cites internal documents in reporting that Microsoft Microsoft is offering to pay $1 billion to buy the digital assets of Nook Media LLC. The deal would see Microsoft acquire the digital assets of Nook Media. The company's Android-based tablets would apparently be phased out by the end of next year while the Nook ereaders are expected to suffer their own "gradual, natural decline." Focus will switch to distributing content via apps on "third-party partner" devices.
Microsoft last year announced a multimillion-dollar 'strategic partnership' with Barnes & Noble that saw the Seattle-based company put $300 million into the book company's Nook business. The partnership resulted in the formation of a new B&N subsidiary, Nook Media, which is comprised of the digital and college businesses of Barnes & Noble. Microsoft's $300 million investment was enough to net it a 17.6 percent stake in the new company. If this morning's rumors are true, Microsoft will soon pay a handsome $1 billion to own the entire thing.
Neither Microsoft nor B&N has commented on the rumors. We'll keep you posted!
