Bol.com Aims to Float on Neuer Markt Amid Battle with Amazon

Bol.com, the European bookselling service, is gearing up to float on Germany's Neuer Markt in June, a move that marks a significant step in its international expansion plans. The company, backed by media giant Bertelsmann, is competing directly with Amazon.com in the rapidly growing e-commerce market. Bol.com's president and CEO, Heinz Wermelinger, acknowledged the challenge posed by Amazon, but emphasized the company's commitment to its e-commerce model, which focuses on media and entertainment products.

Key Takeaways:

• Bol.com plans to float on Germany's Neuer Markt in June, offering 20-25% of its shares to investors.
• The company aims to fund its rapid international expansion, with plans to enter 8 new countries within the next 18 months.
• Bol.com operates in 13 countries, with a business model that focuses on media and entertainment products, distinct from Amazon's broader retail offerings.
• The float is organized by Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, part of a broader strategy by Bertelsmann to float minority stakes in its new media ventures.
• Bertelsmann is diversifying its interests, with a stake in Channel 5, print magazine brands, and book publisher Random House, among others.
• The flotation is expected to value Bol.com at over £1 billion, according to German analysts.

Statistics:

• Bol.com operates in 13 countries and plans to enter 8 new countries within the next 18 months.
• The company expects to offer 20-25% of its shares to investors in the flotation.
• The flotation is valued at over £1 billion, according to German analysts.
• Bol.com has been in operation for a year, with a focus on heavily discounted book offers.

Sources:

• The Times, "Bertelsmann plans Bol.com appeal", 2000.
• Bol.com press releases, cited in "Bertelsmann plans Bol.com appeal", The Times, 2000.