Barnes & Noble Shares Surge as Microsoft Considers Acquisition of Nook Media Digital Assets

It’s no secret that, despite aggressive marketing last holiday season, Barnes and Noble’s Nook business has suffered. Now, rescue may be coming, in the form of Microsoft. TechCrunch recently reported that Microsoft may be seeking to buy the Nook business for as much as $1 billion.

Barnes and Noble Nook HD

Obviously, the thought of Microsoft buying the Nook begs the question: will Microsoft let the Nook continue to be an Android-based device? Microsoft already has a 17-percent investment in the Nook portion of Barnes and Noble’s business, but if Microsoft takes full ownership of the Nook, things might change drastically. Although nothing has been announced officially, Microsoft may not keep the ebook readers and tablets at all, and instead distributed Nook content via other ebook retailers.

Barnes and Noble’s shares have jumped 23 percent today on the news that Microsoft might be looking to buy Nook Media. If you’re thinking that you might want to pick up a Nook while you still can, there’s some good news: Barnes and Noble is selling the Nook at a massive discount for Mother’s Day.