Online book retailer, Booktopia has acquired Bookworld, the online book retailer that operates bookworld.com.au and angusrobertson.com.au.

The two online retailers were owned by Penguin Random House Australia, which purchased Bookworld in 2011.

“As publishers, connecting authors with readers is at the core of what we do and a strong online player is but one of the many ways this happens,” said Penguin Random House Australia CEO, Gabrielle Coyne.

“Bookworld and Booktopia share the same commitment to delivering a first class online experience for Australian readers, and together will have the economies of scale and the brands to strengthen and grow an important channel.”

It is anticipated Booktopia will take operational control in mid-August, after which BookWorld CEO James Webber will leave the business. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Tony Nash, CEO of Booktopia, said, “Penguin Random House Australia have done a tremendous job growing the Bookworld business over the past few years and we have been impressed in what they have accomplished thus far.

“We look forward to the challenge of delighting the book buying community across all our websites as more and more people buy their books online.”

Webber said he was extremely proud of Bookworld’s achievements. “I am also equally excited about the opportunities created by the bringing together of these two great businesses,” he said.

“This significantly strengthens this growing and increasingly important channel to market.”

Booktopia was established in 2004 and has over 100,000 in stock titles ready-to-ship from their 10,000sqm headquarters and distribution centre in Sydney.