It is paying a $200m breakup fee. Mr Dohle had worked for Bertelsmann in various roles since 1994. He was boss at Random House when the firm announced the mega merger with Penguin.

Bertelsmann is one of Europe’s biggest ... giant Fremantle), the world’s largest book publisher, Penguin Random House, music giant BMG, plus marketing, education and investment arms.

Mr Obama's book is yet to be published. Bertelsmann owns a 75% stake in Obama publisher Penguin Random House. Michelle Obama's book 'most valuable' of 2018 Thousands try to get Michelle Obama ...