Bookseller mulls float

Australia's largest bookseller, REDGroup Retail, is considering listing on the local stock exchange early next year as the IPO market thaws.

REDGroup, which includes the Australian and New Zealand stores of Borders, Angus & Robertson and Supanews newstands, is owned by private equity group Pacific Equity Partners.

"It is certainly one of the options that is available to us," REDGroup Retail Chief Executive David Fenton said yesterday.

Fenton said his priority was to grow the chain's brands and get through the critical Christmas trading period.

- NZPA