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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Penguin discussing Random House merger | Penguin discussing Random House merger |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Two of the world's biggest publishers, Penguin and Random House, are in talks about a possible merger. | Two of the world's biggest publishers, Penguin and Random House, are in talks about a possible merger. |
| Pearson, which owns Penguin, issued a short statement to the London Stock Exchange confirming that the talks were taking place. | Pearson, which owns Penguin, issued a short statement to the London Stock Exchange confirming that the talks were taking place. |
| Random House, which is owned by Germany's Bertelsmann, is the second biggest publisher in the UK, followed by Penguin. | Random House, which is owned by Germany's Bertelsmann, is the second biggest publisher in the UK, followed by Penguin. |
| It has had a very successful year, helped by the Fifty Shades series. | It has had a very successful year, helped by the Fifty Shades series. |
| Among Penguin's best-sellers for the year have been Jamie Oliver's cookbooks. | Among Penguin's best-sellers for the year have been Jamie Oliver's cookbooks. |
| Pearson warned there was no certainty that the talks would be successful. | Pearson warned there was no certainty that the talks would be successful. |
| The Financial Times, which is also owned by Pearson, quoted sources saying that if the talks were successful, Bertelsmann would end up with more than 50% of the combined publisher. | The Financial Times, which is also owned by Pearson, quoted sources saying that if the talks were successful, Bertelsmann would end up with more than 50% of the combined publisher. |
| "Pearson confirms that it is discussing with Bertelsmann a possible combination of Penguin and Random House," a company statement said. | |
| "The two companies have not reached agreement and there is no certainty that the discussions will lead to a transaction. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate." | |
| Pearson chief executive Marjorie Scardino is stepping down at the end of this year and will be replaced by John Fallon, currently head of Pearson's International Education division. | |
| Analysts have suggested he will continue to focus the business on education. |