Alibris U.K. Launches with 60 Million New and Second-Hand Books for U.K. and European Book Lovers

Direct shipping, local currency, and lower prices improve access to hundreds of independent booksellers in the U.K. and Europe

November 14, 2006—Alibris, the premier online destination for new and second-hand books in the United States, announced today the launch of its U.K. Web site and a drive to expand into international book markets. Alibris U.K. (www.alibris.co.uk) provides convenient access to more than 60 million new, out-of-print, rare, and second-hand books to English-speaking consumers throughout the United Kingdom and sixteen countries in Europe.

“Alibris now delivers a huge selection of books—faster, at lower prices, and in local currency,” noted Alibris Chairman and CEO Martin Manley.

Book lovers in the U.K., Ireland, and Europe can now turn to Alibris U.K. for books they thought they’d never find. The Web site enables shoppers to order from thousands of independent booksellers based in their hometown, in their own country, and in overseas locations.

Alibris customers around the world can now purchase books with their local currency. Alibris accepts the British pound sterling, the euro, and eleven other currencies. Alibris has also reduced prices for U.K. and European shoppers by thirty to fifty percent.

Alibris U.K. offers fast, direct shipping on orders destined for British or European addresses. With this direct-shipping upgrade, parcel delivery times have been cut in half.

“We’re thrilled to be increasing the selection, value, and convenience for our U.K. and European customers and to be significantly growing the sales of our U.K. booksellers,” said Manley.

Alibris U.K. is a sales partner with hundreds of independent booksellers in the U.K. and Europe. Alibris U.K. provides them with direct access to millions of online customers. Widely regarded as a leading destination site for consumers searching for hard-to-find, out-of-print, and rare books, Alibris U.K. brings increased sales to its bookselling partners.

“Our U.K. booksellers have asked us for years for a U.K. Web site that would to help them sell more books to U.K. customers,” said Brian Elliott, president of Alibris. “This approach also provides us with an English-language-based starting point for sales to customers throughout Europe.”

CEO Manley confirmed that the U.K. Web site launch is part of an international growth strategy for the company. “We expect to announce additional Web sites for buyers and sellers of books in languages other than English,” noted CEO Manley. “Alibris is now backed by investors who are eager to back our international expansion, and we look forward to doing a lot more in 2007 and 2008.”

About Alibris
Alibris is the premiere online destination for new and used books, as well as rare and out-of-print books. We connect people who love books, music, and movies to the best independent sellers from 45 countries around the world. Our proprietary technology and advanced logistics allow us to offer over 60 million used, new, and out-of-print books to consumers, libraries, and retailers, which include Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, Chapters/Indigo, and Books-A-Million. Founded in 1998 and acquired by Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2006, Deloitte named Alibris a “Fast 50” and a “Technology Fast 500” growth business in 2005. Alibris is a registered trademark.