WHSmith to Bid on Borders UK Stores?

By Carmen 

To which I say, WTF? The Telegraph isn’t so vocal in its confusion, but does say that news of WH Smith‘s interest in the company’s UK holdings – 41 Borders stores, 27 Books etc stores and three smaller Borders Express stores will surprise the City. Private equity bidders had been widely tipped as the most likely suitors for Borders. Sources close to WH Smith warned last night that there would be significant hurdles to overcome, including competition issues, and that the private equity bidders had a number of advantages. In other words, this is still rumor – for now.