Microsoft is reportedly considering tabling a $1 billion offer for the digital assets of its Nook Media joint venture. The deal would see the software giant assume control of the subsidiary’s e-book ecosystem, Nook e-readers and tablets from Barnes & Noble.
However, leaked documents obtained by TechCrunch appear to confirm that Nook’s Android tablet business will be discontinued by 2014.
The branded tablets will be gradually phased out as the company switches to a business model that will see Nook content distributed to “third-party” devices instead.
Barnes & Noble reported heavy losses during its earnings call in February, with its Nook business seeing a steep decline of almost 26% compared to the previous year.
Microsoft landed a 16.8% stake in Nook Media by investing $300 million in the company last year.
