Thread: Is Amazon likely to acquire a Big 5 publisher? And, if so, what would it do with it?
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Old 03-01-2018, 11:57 PM   #14
darryl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres View Post
I wouldn't expect an Amazon-controlled publisher to be the first to abandon Agency. Not as long as the others give it free antitrust cover.
I agree. I fell into the trap of lazily using "agency" to encompass the practice of setting ebook prices high so as to protect print sales. I think you are correct. Agency itself will likely remain, though I do expect that Amazon will price so as to maximise overall ebook sales revenue, rather than per unit margin. As you say, "Amazon isn't proud, they'll make money wherever they can." I don't think its likely that they would adopt the Big 5 practice of setting ebook prices high to favour print. This would indeed place pressure on the other players.

I think S&S would fit beautifully into Amazon, though I'm afraid I don't see Caroline Reidy as an Amazon executive! On reflection I also agree with you about Hachette. The French would probably see an Amazon acquisition as being a cultural disaster of epic proportions. With PRH 75% owned by Bertelsmann last I heard, HC part of News and McMillan owned by Holtzbrinck S&S does seem to be the likely target if Amazon does choose to go this way.
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