Bertelsmann SE and Co KGaA and Pearson Plc - proposed combination of global book publishing businesses (Random House & Penguin)

Bertelsmann SE and Co KGaA

Pearson Plc

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson plc propose to combine their global book publishing businesses Random House and Penguin in a number of countries including Australia. The combined entity will be called Penguin Random House which will be 53% owned by Bertelsmann and 47% owned by Pearson. The respective businesses in Australia are currently carried on by Random House Australia Pty Ltd and Penguin Group (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Comments are invited from interested parties regarding the Random House and Pearson acquisition proposal.

The closing date for submissions is 1 February 2013. Submissions should be forwarded electronically (preferably in PDF format) to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title Submission re Random House and Pearson acquisition proposal (attention Fiona Sam).

Alternatively submissions may be forwarded by fax to 03 9663 3699 or by mail to Mergers Branch, ACCC, GPO Box 520, Melbourne VIC 3001.

For more details please refer to the attached market inquiries letter.