The FPB is urging booksellers to visit www.fpb.org/booksellers/ and fill out a questionnaire, giving their views on the merger. The findings from the survey, which is also being mailed out to more than 1,000 booksellers this week, will form the basis of the FPB's submission to the CC inquiry.
'Independent booksellers want and need a voice. The Booksellers Association is hamstrung in being able to lobby effectively because it represents the retail giants as well as small retailers. That fundamental flaw is exposed by this inquiry,' said FPB chief executive Nick Goulding.
'That leaves independents with no professional representation at an inquiry that will have more impact on the future shape of the book industry than any other event of recent years.'
Yesterday, HMV revealed it had received a takeover approach itself. While HMV has not named the predator, it is widely thought to be private equity firm Permira. It is not clear whether the venture capitalist would favour HMV's bid for Ottakar's.
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