Barnes & Noble, Burkle Talks Collapse

Publishers Weekly: "Negotiations between Barnes & Noble and its largest shareholder, Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies, ended this afternoon without reaching an agreement that would end the dispute between the two parties. 'Barnes & Noble and Yucaipa were unable to conclude an agreement on mutually acceptable terms,' B&N said in a briefly worded statement. The collapse of the talks means a proxy fight between Burkle and B&N remains a possibility at the B&N annual meeting set for September 28. The discussions between B&N and Burkle were aimed at settling Burkle’s lawsuit against B&N’s poison pill provision by giving Burkle representation on the retailer’s board. A decision in the case is expected soon. Resolving the B&N-Burkle battle is seen as key before serious negotiations for the sale of B&N can begin."