June 04, 1999 ABA OFFICIAL MEDIA STATEMENT June 2, 1999 The American Booksellers Association is pleased that the proposed acquisition of the Ingram Book Group by Barnes and Noble, Inc. has been withdrawn, and is extremely gratified that the Federal Trade Commission recognized that this transaction would have had a devastating impact on the retail marketplace for books. It was clear that the Federal Trade Commission conducted a complete and thorough investigation and heard the concern of booksellers, consumers, and others about the threat that this proposed acquisition posed to diversity in the marketplace. The grassroots efforts of booksellers--including a letter-writing campaign to the Federal Trade Commission, multiple communications with members of Congress, and a petition drive opposing the acquisition which collected over 125,000 customer signatures--proved, we believe, invaluable to this process. The ABA and its members are glad to be able to put this issue behind them, and look forward to concentrating their efforts on bold new marketing and Internet initiatives, and to competing in a vibrant and diverse marketplace. All ABA member bookstores thank the many members of the book-buying public for their support of a healthy, diverse, and independent marketplace. Topics: B&N/Ingram, News - Bookselling,