Is Kobo Owned by Amazon?

Kobo, an e-reader and ebook provider, has become the go-to choice for many readers over the past few years. With its wide range of titles, competitive prices, and innovative features, it’s no surprise that Kobo has become so popular. However, one question that often comes up is: Is Kobo owned by Amazon?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. While Amazon does not own Kobo outright, they do have a close relationship with them.

In 2012, Amazon sold their European ebook business to Kobo in exchange for a 5% stake in the company. This gave Amazon a significant presence in the European market without having to invest any additional money in it.

Since then, Kobo and Amazon have been working together on various projects. They have collaborated on developing new technologies for e-readers such as VoiceView and Kindle Page Flip; they have also made joint investments in companies like Rakuten Kobo Japan and Storytel India.

Kobo has also benefited from Amazon’s vast customer base. Since its acquisition of Kobo, Amazon has promoted the brand heavily on its website, increasing visibility for the company and helping it to grow its customer base.

However, despite these close ties between the two companies, it is important to note that they remain separate entities. While Kobo may benefit from being associated with Amazon, they are still very much their own company with their own products and services.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while Amazon does not own Kobo outright but they do have a close relationship with them through investments and joint projects. As such while Kobo may benefit from being associated with Amazon they remain two separate entities.