UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20580

Office of the Secretary

September 10, 1996

Jack Hoeft
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc.
1540 Broadway
New York, New York 10036

Re: File No. 801 0059

Dear Mr. Hoeft:

The Commission has conducted an investigation involving your possible violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Act through your pricing and promotional practices.

Upon further review of this matter, it now appears that no further action is warranted by the Commission at this time. Accordingly, the investigation has been closed. This action is not to be construed as a determination that a violation may not have occurred, just as the pendency of an investigation should not be construed as a determination that a violation has occurred. The Commission reserves the right to take such further action as the public interest may require.

By direction of the Commission, Chairman Pitofsky recused.

Donald S. Clark
Secretary

cc: Douglas L. Wald
Cathy A. Hoffman
Arnold & Porter
Counsel to Bantam Doubleday Dell