Online retail giant Amazon.com has sealed a deal to buy the world’s largest specialist online book retailer The Book Depository International.

The two companies are the leading offshore online sources of books for Australian shoppers.

The Book Depository is an online bookseller offering over 6 million books for delivery worldwide.

“Customers in more than 100 countries enjoy The Book Depository’s vast selection, convenient delivery and free shipping,” said Greg Greeley, Amazon’s VP of European Retail in a brief statement issued overnight.

“The Book Depository is very focused on serving its customers around the world, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Amazon family.”

Andrew Crawford, founder of The Book Depository, said Amazon’s support would allow his business to continue to grow and continually improve its service for readers globally.

The sale is subject to regulatory approvals.

The Book Depository currently ships to 102 countries worldwide and has built a reputation for offering a broad range of titles at retail prices well beneath those of traditional bricks and mortar shops – and free shipping.

Seattle-based Amazon.com opened in July 1995 and today boasts the world’s largest selection of books, DVDs, music CDs and a raft of apparel, homewares, toys and other goods.