Amazon in talks to acquire Brazilian bookseller, report says
The e-retailer's move might be an effort to increase its presence in Latin America.
Amazon is considering acquiring a Brazil-based bookseller, according to a new report.
The e-retail giant is currently in talks with Saraiva to acquire the bookseller, Bloomberg is reporting today, citing sources. The publication's sources did not divulge how much Amazon would be willing to pay for Saraiva.
Amazon has been rumored for months to be considering an acquisition in Brazil, and Saraiva's name has been floated before as a possible acquisition target. The acquisition could give Amazon a foothold in Brazil, Latin America's biggest economy, and help the company expand its Kindle efforts in that area.
Saraiva, however, is about more than just books. Through its Web site, the company sells everything from Blu-ray movies to tablets. Saraiva also operates brick-and-mortar stores around Brazil.
It's not clear exactly what attracts Amazon to Saraiva. However, like Amazon, Saraiva is in the book-publishing business. The company has also leveraged e-books to help grow its operation.
The possible Saraiva acquisition is set against the backdrop of competitive pressures on Amazon in the U.S. The company's publishing operation has been unable to get its hardcover books in Barnes & Noble stores after that retailer earlier this year announced a boycott on Amazon's titles. Other retailers are also loath to sell books published by Amazon, for fear of promoting a direct competitor.
CNET has contacted Amazon for comment on the possible Saraiva buy. We will update this story when we have more information.