STAFF at Waterstone’s bookshops are waiting to hear whether branches will close after the chain was bought by a Russian billionaire.
Alexander Mamut has struck a £53 million deal to buy Waterstone’s from HMV.
The bookshop, which employs 4,500 people nationwide, has branches in Bournemouth and Poole town centres, Castlepoint and Lymington.
Mr Mamut, a friend of Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, has said he plans to reposition Waterstone's as a regional and local community-orientated bookseller. He has not revealed whether this will result in a cut in its current 296 stores in the UK and Ireland.
He said: “The business enjoys a great loyalty from its customers and I believe that there is considerable integrity and value in the brand.”
He plans to appoint James Daunt, a former investment banker who runs London-based chain Daunt Books, to carry out a thorough review of the business.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel