Barnes & Noble Owner Elliott Is Said to Seek London IPO Pitches

Elliott Management Corp., the owner of Barnes & Noble Inc. and Waterstones Booksellers Ltd., has invited investment banks to pitch for roles on an initial public offering of the book retailers, according to people familiar with the matter.

The investment firm, led by billionaire Paul Singer, is considering a combined listing of both chains in London, although a US listing remains a possibility, the people said, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.

Rothschild & Co. is advising Elliott on the potential IPO, the people said. No final decisions have been made, and ...