Wie es scheint ist ein Bericht der Financial Times Deutschland (FTD), den wir zitiert haben, wonach Bertelsmann angeblich seine Direct Group Sparte in China aufgeben wolle, nicht korrekt recherchiert worden [mehr…].
Tatsächlich liegt seit heute den Mitarbeitern der von Bertelsmann betriebenen Buchhandelskette 21st Century ein Schreiben vor, wonach der Konzern die Läden bis Ende Juli schließen will. Damit gibt der Gütersloher Konzern immerhin 36 Läden in 19 Städten auf. Betroffen sind etwa 200 Mitarbeiter.
Das wachsende Internetgeschäft und die steigende Konkurrenz wird als Grund für die Entscheidung angegeben. Diese Mitteilung liegt uns auf Englisch vor:
„With deep regret, 21st Century announced today that it is closing its Bertelsmann branded retail bookstore chain. The decision was made after a comprehensive strategic review and after considerable efforts over many years to avoid the current situation.
21st Century has enjoyed varying degrees of success in China since past years. Unfortunately, despite our providing significant managerial and financial resources, the business lacks the scale and profitability necessary to make it a sustainable business option. The growth in on-line book sales and increasing competition in China contributed to our decision. 21st Century’s business could not adapt to these changing conditions and unfortunately was not profitable.
All of the 21st Century retail stores will close by the end of July.
We would like to sincerely thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication. Their welfare is foremost among our concerns at this time and we are committed to treating them fairly and with the respect they deserve. All employees will receive compensation packages that comply with government requirements and that are reflective of the significant efforts that they have made in trying to working towards the success of the 21st Century’s business. Bertelsmann, as the major shareholder of 21st Century, is firmly committed to complying with all government guidelines and regulations. Bertelsmann is also committed to fully meeting its obligations to our customers, suppliers and other partners and we thank them sincerely for helping to build the 21st Century’s business. We can assure our customers and partners that we will treat them fairly and equitably. We would also like to thank them for their long term support and partnership for the 21st Century business.
Irrespective of today’s announcement by 21st Century, Bertelsmann would like to underline its strong commitment to China. This country is a very important market for us – one of three designated strategic growth markets globally. We are a long-term investor, as demonstrated by a range of exciting businesses and investment initiatives that provide an excellent basis for future growth and development. We will invest the funds previously envisioned for the development of 21st Century into various Bertelsmann China businesses and investment initiatives.“
