Booktopia owner digiDirect acquires library supplier James Bennett

Written By Keven Chen

Consumer electronics company digiDirect has acquired James Bennett, a prominent Australian supplier to public libraries, expanding its presence in the book retailing industry.

Transaction snapshot

  • Deal value: Undisclosed (James Bennett has an annual turnover of around $40 million)

  • Deal multiples: N/A

  • Deal type: Acquisition

  • Investors: Buyer – digiDirect; Seller – Baker & Taylor (US-based)

James Bennett, headquartered in Sydney, employs approximately 130 staff and has been under American ownership by Baker & Taylor since 2009. Despite becoming part of digiDirect, James Bennett will maintain a separate management team initially, though operational efficiencies are anticipated.

This acquisition follows digiDirect’s recent purchase of Booktopia in August last year. Booktopia had previously collapsed, despite having reached an ASX market valuation of over $400 million at its peak. The acquisition of Booktopia provided digiDirect access to significant distribution infrastructure in Sydney.

DigiDirect, established in 2006 by Shant Kradjian, is aiming for strategic growth in its book division by integrating the capabilities of both Booktopia and James Bennett.

Keven Chen
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