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Story perspectives

Waterstones and Barnes & Noble Eye London IPO

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Elliott Investment Management, owner of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, is preparing an IPO of the booksellers with a London listing preferred.
James Daunt, the CEO, says an IPO seems inevitable because private owners often sell businesses.
Elliott acquired Waterstones in 2018 and Barnes & Noble in 2019.
An IPO could benefit the UK stock market, but no final decisions have been made and plans may change.

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Story summary

Elliott Investment Management, owner of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, is preparing an IPO of the booksellers with a London listing preferred.
James Daunt, the CEO, says an IPO seems inevitable because private owners often sell businesses.
Elliott acquired Waterstones in 2018 and Barnes & Noble in 2019.
An IPO could benefit the UK stock market, but no final decisions have been made and plans may change.