Chapters Inc. was formed following the merger of Coles and SmithBooks, then Canada's two largest bookstore chains. In 1994, Canadian General Capital and Pathfinder Capital purchased SmithBooks from Federal Industries, and later that year acquired Coles from Southam Inc. The strategy was to build a strong base company and use its financial strength to invest in the development of large format book superstores.
In April 1995, the merger of SmithBooks and Coles was finalized, and in November 1995, the new company,
Chapters Inc. opened its first two book superstores and from there grew to become the largest book retailer in Canada, operating bookstores in all provinces, under the names Chapters, Coles, SmithBooks, and World's Biggest Bookstore.
[ Source: www.chapters.indigo.ca ]
Indigo Books & Music Inc., (TSE: IDG) is a Canadian company committed to providing a service-driven, stress-free approach to satisfying the booklover.
Indigo was created in 1996 by and for booklovers, and merged with Chapters Inc. in August 2001 to become Canada's largest books retail chain. Indigo Books & Music Inc. is committed to being Canada's most complete and trusted resource for books, music, gifts and much more.
[ Source: www.chapters.indigo.ca ]
