The Bookseller's Graeme Neill reports that an independent bookseller has defended the Competition Commission's decision to provisionally clear the merger between wholesalers Bertrams and THE. Ian Nicholson, owner of Alison's of Tewkesbury, said the decision would lead to better conditions for the independent sector.

"This has already been proved by the discounts being offered by both concerns to independents, and I am sure it will long continue," he wrote in a submission to the CC. "I believe the industry will be better served by two strong players, than two plus one weak one," he added. "As there is already sufficient legislation in place to stop the two concerns making cartel agreements to hurt independents, I have never had any reservations about this merger." The CC will deliver its verdict on the merger between the wholesalers within the next three weeks