PUBLISHED: 09:56 EST, 10 May 2013 | UPDATED: 13:13 EST, 10 May 2013 Microsoft is believed to be considering a billion dollar offer for Barnes and Noble's Nook tablet business. The move would allow the giant to quickly launch a range of tablets under its Surface brand to take on Apple, Amazing and Google in the tablet wars. Shares in Barnes & Noble Inc soared 22 percent following the report Microsoft is considering an offer to acquire the tablet and e-book business of B&N's Nook Media unit. The Nook range of tablets, which range from Android HD tablets to e-book with 'paper' e-ink screens. Microsoft is rumoured to be purchasing the business for a billion dollars
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Claims Microsoft will buy Nook business lead to 22% rise in Barnes & Noble stock
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Move would allow Microsoft to take on Amazon and Apple in the electronic book market
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Could also see Nook tablets rebranded as Microsoft surface tablets
Barnes & Noble Inc
B&N
Barnes & Noble
@placeholder has typically launched a new edition of the Nook every year.
Google
It was not immediately clear why Microsoft would want to buy Nook's digital assets, unless it wished to make a preemptive strike against @placeholder and shift Nook away from the Android platform.
Nook Media
Nook
It was not immediately clear why Microsoft would want to buy Nook's digital assets, unless it wished to make a preemptive strike against Google and shift @placeholder away from the Android platform.
Barnes & Noble Inc
B&N
Barnes & Noble
@placeholder first indicated it might spin off the Nook business in early 2012.