Barnes & Noble to Acquire Books Inc.09/09/2025

Acquisition is subject to bankruptcy court approval

Once approved, Books Inc. will preserve its independent identity

New York (September 3, 2025) - Barnes & Noble announces that it is to acquire Books Inc., the longtime Bay Area brick-and-mortar bookseller. Books Inc. has filed a motion asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California to allow the sale of its assets to BI Acquisition Co., LLC, an affiliate of Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc., for $3.25 million.

If the acquisition is approved, the 174-year-old Books Inc. will preserve its independent identity. Books Inc. will continue to trade under its brand name, preserving the company's seven neighborhood store locations, together with two stores operated at San Francisco International Airport.

Books Inc. had filed in January 2025 a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in response to revenue losses from steadily rising operating costs and changing consumer buying habits exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.

"This agreement will ensure that Book Inc.'s legacy will continue for the foreseeable future," said Andy Perham, a 15-year company employee who became Chief Executive Officer in 2019. "With Barnes & Noble's deep resources and world-class support, Books Inc. will be able to quickly modernize its operations so we can focus on what we do best: connecting people with books, ideas and each other."

The acquisition of Books Inc. by Barnes & Noble is the second by the company, following that of Denver's Tattered Cover Book Store in July 2024 which had also entered Chapter 11.

"Books Inc. has a storied history and wonderful bookstores, and we are very pleased to ensure their continuity," said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. "We look forward to welcoming the booksellers of Books Inc. to Barnes & Noble."

The bankruptcy court is expected to review and rule on Books Inc.'s proposed sale this fall.

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