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Asda settles Harry Potter order dispute

17/07/2007

Supermarket giant Asda has settled its dispute with Harry Potter publishers Bloomsbury, guaranteeing that its full order of books is in place for the release of the latest book this weekend.

The two groups entered into a high profile confrontation after Asda accused Bloomsbury of "blatant profiteering" for setting the recommended price of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at £17.99.

And in a separate battle the publishing group had cancelled an order of 500,000 books, claiming Asda had not met a payment.

But a spokesperson for Asda said this evening that it is "delighted" to confirm the dispute has been settled and supply for the release of the much-anticipated final instalment is "definitely sorted".

A statement for the group added that it apologises "unreservedly" to Bloomsbury for its comments, which it has now withdrawn.

"We look forward to a good relationship with Bloomsbury going forward including selling the latest Harry Potter book from 00:01am BST on Saturday 21st July and many other Bloomsbury books in future," it added.

Huge excitement has surrounded the final instalment of the popular Harry Potter series, especially after author JK Rowling confessed that two of the central characters will die.

In a show to be broadcast on ITV1 this Autumn, Rowling said that some people may "loathe" the ending but she is "really, really happy with it".


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