Amazon yesterday announced that it had bought UK independent online bookseller The Book Depository. The Book Depository, which currently sells and delivers books to more than 100 countries, has some six million titles in its catalogue.

The Bookseller reports that it was expected to have turnover of £120 million this year. It is not clear whether Amazon intends to integrate the UK-based company into its wider operation, or whether it intends to keep it as a separate brand.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In a statement, Amazon's vice-president of European retail, Greg Greeley, said he looked forward to "welcoming them to the Amazon family" but added the deal would be "subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals".

Book Depository founder, Andrew Crawford, who was involved in Amazon's UK launch, said: "With the support of Amazon, we look forward to continuing our growth and providing an ever-improving service for readers globally."

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