British Bookshops ushers in new bosses

British Bookshops & Stationers has released its final financial report as an independent company, following its acquisition by Irish bookseller Eason and Son in January, understood to be worth£30 million.

In the year to December 31, British Bookshops increased turnover to£41.6 million, from 39.6 million the year before. Profit before tax increased by£1.1 million to£4.9 million. The retailer, which is based in Brighton, opened its 50th store at Dover in April. It plans to open another two stores in the westerly side of the region before the end of the financial year.

Since the acquisition of the company, the board has undergone a radical overhaul. The controlling members of the Chowen family have retired, according to a spokesman for the retailer, and have been replaced by Eason directors.

Eason chairman Michael Ryder is now British Bookshops chairman, Michael Shakespeare is managing director, replacing chief executive Michael Chowen. Two other Eason executives, Basil McAllister and Eason managing director Gordon Bolton have taken executive directorships on British Bookshops' board. The only former British Bookshops board member still with the retailer is executive director Anthony Clark.