Dymocks to exit New Zealand?

The trade is awash today with stories that Dymocks are about to pull the plug on their NZ operation.
I understand the Newmarket store has been sold to Paper Plus while the other stores have been released from their franchise contracts and will become independents.
More if/when I get  official advice.

Footnote at lunchtime Friday: 
After posting the above I contacted Kevin Chapman, President PANZ, and asked for his reaction. Here is his response:

In response to your question about Dymocks, I would say that it is a great pity to lose a bookseller like Anne Whelan. But the manner in which Dymocks has attempted to sneak out of the country is very unimpressive. I have tried to contact them to get some discussion around their withdrawal from the NZ market, but have not had any response. Some very good booksellers have operated under their banner in this country, but they have often lacked support, and the actions of the last few months show how little regard Dymocks really had for this market.

He also advised that publishers had been formally advised last week that Dymocks Newmarket had been sold to Orchard Holdings (2008) Ltd. and would cease trading as Dymocks Newmarket on 21 September.

That is a Friday so I guess whomever is taking over will then close up for the weekend and maybe a few extra days to resign and restock etc.

Further footnote:
I laughed at this comment on writer John McCrystal's Facebook page - 
Australians set to pull the chain !

And another footnote:

Have just checked the companies office website which tells me that Jeanette and Malcolm Hughes own that company. Google those names and you get... the owners of Birkenhead Paper Plus. So now we know! Welcome to Newmarket Jeanette and Malcolm.