Cover Stories: John Mortimer; Ottakar's
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.* News of a possible Waterstone's bid for Ottakar's is causing dismay for publishers who regard the smaller chain as a breath of fresh air. Waterstone's ever-increasing demands for better terms, coupled with a growing pickiness over what it will sell, has hardly endeared it to publishers forced to pay through the nose for its in-store promotions. A successful Waterstone's bid for the 137 Ottakar's stores would give the chain 25 per cent of the UK market. Borders, which is looking to out-of-town sites, may want to consider its options. Fnac from France is an outside possibility to bid, and likely to receive a warmer welcome from publishers. What they certainly won't want is a further concentration of power. Many will be hoping that the Tin-Tin loving James Heneage, who founded Ottakar's in 1987, succeeds with his management buy-out.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments