Barnes & Noble: The Next Big Tech Company?

A decade after Barnes & Noble turned its once-troubled web site into one of the most successful e-bookstores in the world, investors are scratching their heads as the retail store once again considers losing full ownership of a book-related business with red-hot potential. The bookseller said last week it is weighing strategic options for its popular Nook, including a possible sale or spin-off, to capitalize on its rapid growth and favorable leadership position. The review has some questioning whether Barnes & Noble could survive on its own. This isn't the first time Barnes & Noble (BKS: 11.62, -0.08, -0.68%) has considered operating one of its branded businesses externally. In the 1990's, it took a minority share of BarnesandNoble.com, which launched as an independent public company to rival Amazon (AMZN: 179.01, -0.33, -0.18%). Continue reading this article

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