Friday News: BN and Microsoft; Google Settles with Publishers; Hachette discounting coming soon

Barnes & Noble Booksellers – Yesterday, Barnes & Noble and Microsoft announced that it finalized the formation of a new company called Nook Media which will focus on the college and digital markets. Microsoft invested $300 million for an approximate 17.6% equity stake and B&N will own the remaining 82.4% stake. “One of the first benefits for customers will be a NOOK application for Windows 8, which will extend the reach of Barnes & Noble’s digital bookstore by providing one of the world’s lar...