In the latest development from the publishing supply chain, ReaderLink and Baker and Taylor have officially ended their talks regarding a proposed acquisition. The two companies issued a joint statement on September 26 confirming that they had “mutually” agreed not to move forward with the deal.
Earlier this month, ReaderLink had announced plans to purchase most of B&T’s assets and take on a large portion of its staff. The move was seen as a potential lifeline for the long-established wholesaler, which has faced financial turbulence in recent years. Under the proposed agreement, however, Baker & Taylor’s existing financial obligations would have remained with the company, raising questions across the industry about whether publishers owed money would ever see repayment.
Many publishers have admitted that they are still owed substantial amounts by B&T, and while the acquisition could have provided stability for operations, concerns about unpaid balances lingered heavily. The uncertainty surrounding those debts became one of the more sensitive points of discussion as the deal moved closer to its scheduled closing date.
Originally, the acquisition was expected to be finalized on September 26, pending due diligence and closing conditions. Instead, with the talks now terminated, ReaderLink and B&T will continue to function as separate businesses.
For authors, publishers, and self-publishing professionals, this news is more than just a corporate headline. Wholesalers like ReaderLink and Baker & Taylor play an important role in getting books into libraries and retail stores. Financial instability at any stage of this chain can ripple outward, affecting everything from distribution schedules to payments owed to publishers, big and small.
While the decision to call off the deal leaves questions about Baker & Taylor’s financial future, it also avoids the uncertainty that might have come from a complex transition under new ownership. For now, the industry will be watching closely to see how both companies move forward independently.