2 book giants in global deal to sell titles via Internet

Article Abstract:

Barnes & Noble and Bertelsmann AG outlined a $200 million joint venture to create an international online network that would sell titles in all major languages. The move involves Barnesandnoble.com, the struggling electronic subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, in an effort to challenge electronic commerce pioneer Amazon.com. Terms of the venture would require both companies to invest $100 million each, while Barnes & Noble will temporarily delay an IPO in Barnesandnoble.com. Bertelesmann still plans to debut its Books Online worldwide bookstore in Europe in Nov 1998. The $200 million purchase of a 50% stake in Barnesandnoble.com provides the German media giant with a faster entry into the growing online market, according to Bertelsmann's Chmn and CEO-elect Thomas Middlecoff. Both companies expect Barnes & Noble, the largest US bookstore chain, to host a public offering on Barnesandnoble.com later in 1998.

Joint ventures, Company internet strategy, Bertelsmann AG, Company joint venture

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Microsoft and Barnes & Noble join forces

Article Abstract:

Microsoft and leading US bookseller Barnes & Noble on Dec 7, 1998, unveiled a marketing agreement of online products and services. No financial terms were announced, but Barnes & Noble holds the sole right to sell books on Microsoft's MSN. Barnes & Noble hopes the deal will narrow rival Amazon.com's online market lead, while Microsoft is continuing to modify its MSN site to enhance electronic commerce. One condition links Microsoft shopping page users to the Barnes & Noble site. Other shopping integration efforts include customized book ideas for Microsoft's Expedia travel site users. Barnes & Noble also may earn a spot on Microsoft's WebTV Network shopping section. Amazon will retain the advertisements that connect MSN users to its online store. Analysts are uncertain on how the deal would impact Amazon.

Alliances, partnerships, Microsoft Corp., Marketing, Licensing agreements, Company licensing agreement, MSFT, Company marketing practices

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The next trick for Amazon.com: auctions; the leading on-line bookseller hopes to pose a challenge to eBay

Article Abstract:

Amazon.com, known primarily as an online bookseller, is planning to offer online auction services to consumers and small businesses. The company, having recently invested in Drugstore.com, also holds a controlling interest in Pets.com. With its expansion into online auction services, Amazon will be competing with eBay, an online auction house with a $20 billion market value. eBay has been considered by investors to have a virtual monopoly on the online auction market, where sellers of the most goods attract the most buyers. Amazon.com hopes to market its eight million customers to potential sellers by promoting its auction services on its retail site.

Services, Amazon.com Inc., eBay Inc., AMZN, Online auctions, EBAY

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