June 04, 1999 Questions and Answers ABA's Chief Operating Officer Oren Teicher Discusses the B&N/Ingram Outcome Q You played a big role in directing ABA's efforts in helping booksellers make their opinions heard regarding the proposed Ingram acquisition. What's your reaction to the news of B&N's decision to drop the purchase? A First of all, I think this was an extraordinary achievement by booksellers. It's fair to say that back in November when this proposed acquisition was first announced, virtually no one predicted this outcome--almost every expert said it was a slam dunk to be approved--but a unique combination of perseverance and smarts on the part of many people and--most importantly--an extremely compelling set of facts--prevailed in the end. Q According to published reports, the staff at the Federal Trade Commission were poised to recommend to the full FTC commission that the deal should be blocked. Do you believe they heard the many voices of booksellers and others? A I can't say enough about how impressed we were with the amazingly thorough and comprehensive review conducted by the FTC. Frankly, when the case first went to the FTC last November, many booksellers were skeptical because of the agency's somewhat checkered history in the book business. As the review unfolded, however--and it became clear that literally hundreds of detailed and in-depth interviews were being conducted--many of us realized for the first time how seriously the FTC was taking this matter. I also think that the letter-writting campaign by bookstores--to the FTC and to Congress--helped get the attention of the commission. Booksellers should feel very proud and should know that their efforts did make a difference. Q Were you surprised at the degree of consumer support independent booksellers and ABA received? A As important this issue was to bookstores, what surprised us a little was the strong opposition expressed by so many consumers in a variety of ways. Bookstores collected over 125,000 signatures from the book buying public opposing the deal, which were presented to the FTC. In addition, over 30,000 Working Assets long distance customers communicated their strong support for our position to the FTC, and the Consumer Federation of America and other groups weighed in as well. These efforts, I believe, were an indispensable part of our success. Q Were others in the trade supportive as well? A Of all the many, many groups who became involved in this overall effort, I'd like to single out our colleagues from the Authors Guild for a truly exemplary contribution. Not only did they speak out--in what might not have been in the best self-interest of their individual members--but they clearly helped articulate why this proposed acquisition was such a bad deal for the reading public. Q There was support in Washington, too, wasn't there? A Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, and several dozen other members of Congress, were most helpful in framing the broader issues to the public and press. We're most grateful for their support. Q Do you think that this is a reason to be optimistic about the prospects for independent booksellers? A The juxtaposition of this announcement--coupled directly with our successful launch of Book Sense (now with over 1,000 stores) and the eagerly awaited debut of BookSense.com in a few months--strike me as clear and indisputable evidence of a renewed sense of optimism and resolve amongst independent bookstores. I don't minimize for one minute the difficult road that lies ahead, but I think all booksellers are standing just a little taller today--and, they've earned every inch! Topics: B&N/Ingram,