Borders Accepts $215 Million Offer

By Dianna Dilworth 

Borders Group announced last night that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Direct Brands, a portfolio company of Najafi Companies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Direct Brands would purchase substantially all of Borders’ assets for $215.1 million, as well as assume $220 million of liabilities, subject to the auction and Bankruptcy Court approval.

If the deal goes through, Borders would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Direct Brands, which also owns the Book-of-the-Month Club as well as Columbia House. Hilco and Gordon Brothers have agreed to acquire any store locations that are ultimately not included in the sale and will close those stores in an orderly manner.

The deal is expected to go through by late July.