As VNU seems to be willing to open up the books, chances of a bid on the whole company have further increased.

There were different camps in the past but now, in effect, it's one company.

Accepting the … bid also implies that investors miss an expected 500 million euro special dividend and the benefits from a 500 million euro share buyback program in 2006.

When a company has such a strong product cycle coming, there are years of momentum that you enjoy.

The company execs are scheduled like everyone else to get out and sell books. Everyone here has been on the floor as a bookseller.

We are not just looking for the cute or the most popular books. Our company has a mission to find books that help children understand themselves and their world.