Thalia Group Acquires Historic Stein Media Bookstore After Insolvency
Stein Media Group, a veteran in the book trade, filed for insolvency in September 2023. The company's future has now been decided after Germany's Federal Cartel Office approved a takeover by Thalia Group on November 18. Key parts of the business, including a historic bookstore, will change hands under the deal. The acquisition focuses on Stein’sche Mediengruppe GmbH, based in Werl. Thalia Bücher GmbH will take over the A. Stein’sche Buchhandlung, a well-known bookstore in the city. The deal also includes assets transferred to Lehmanns Media GmbH, a Thalia subsidiary specializing in information services. The Federal Cartel Office confirmed the takeover targets a niche area of the book market. Andreas Mundt, the office's president, noted that the transaction mainly affects specialized information services rather than the broader retail sector. Thalia, already the largest brick-and-mortar bookstore chain in German-speaking countries, operates roughly 570 locations and an online shop. No details have emerged about Stein Media Group's founders or their role in the insolvency. The company's withdrawal from business activities remains unconnected to any public statement from its leadership. With regulatory approval secured, Thalia will absorb parts of Stein Media Group's operations. The takeover strengthens its position in specialized book services while preserving a historic bookstore in Werl. The insolvency process now moves forward under the new ownership structure.
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