Barnes & Noble has file the paperwork to separate its Barnes & Noble Education business unit, which includes the Barnes & Noble College business, from Barnes & Noble’s Retail and NOOK Digital businesses.
The two companies will become two separate publicly traded companies. The breakup means that investors can invest in one company but not the other.
“Separating Barnes & Noble Education will create an industry-leading, pure-play public company with more flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities in the growing educational services markets,” stated Michael P. Huseby, Chief Executive Office of Barnes & Noble, Inc.
“At the same time, Barnes & Noble will be able to better capitalize on improving industry trends and merchandising initiatives within its core Retail business,” he continued. “Retail and the NOOK Digital Business will be able to leverage a more integrated technology infrastructure for improved efficiency and to better serve digital customers.”