From Publishing News Online:

EX-WHS MAN BEHIND AUSTRALIAN BOOK TRADE ROW

CHARLIE RIMMER, THE Group Commercial Manager of Australian booksellers Angus & Robertson, whose letter asking for payment if a supplier's net profit generated for the chain falls below a minimum earnings ratio has so angered Australian publishers, held numerous field management positions with WHSmith - and a regional management position with Borders UK - before moving to Australia in 2005.

Since joining A&R he has intensified the commercial focus within the business, with responsibility for driving sales through new and existing channels and improving profitability.

Since receiving Rimmer's letter, some publishers have stopped supplying books in protest. A&R is owned by private equity firm, Pacific Equity Partners, which is bidding to acquire the Australia and New Zealand Borders stores.

For more on this subject go to The Australian Index - Culture Blogs.