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Given the importance of this I’m reprinting Kobo’s blog post in full.  Thanks to Michael von Glahn for the link.  Blockquotes omitted.

It’s been a phenomenal and exciting year building the only pure-play global eReading service – fulfilling on our goal of bringing eReading to everyone. With over 2.4 million registered users from around the world we have ascended to astonishing heights in a very short time. As the market for eReading continues to grow, we are moving even faster, launching new product offerings, signing new distribution partners, and continuing to expand internationally -it’s been an incredibly exciting time!

While the eBook market is booming, the physical book market has started to feel some of the effects of digital growth. The news has been filled with the challenges of book retailers around the world, most notably about Borders Group in the US. Today, Borders announced that they were filing for bankruptcy protection under US law while they restructure their business.

What does this mean for Kobo customers?
Nothing. Kobo is an independent, financially secure company that provides a Global eReading Service. Today will be another day filled with books being downloaded every second by Kobo users in over 100 countries.

What does this mean for customers of Borders’ eBook service…?

Will I lose access to ebooks I have purchased at Borders.com?
Your ebook library is perfectly safe. The Borders ebook experience is powered by Kobo, an entirely separate company from Borders. Kobo is financially secure and will continue to maintain your ebook library no matter what happens.

Can I continue to buy ebooks from Borders.com?
Yes. Kobo will continue to provide ebook services to Borders customers through Borders.com and Borders apps and desktop software. You shouldn’t notice any difference in terms of service or selection.

Will I still be able to get technical support for the Kobo eReader or other device I purchased from Borders?
Yes. Borders will continue to offer phone and email customer service for devices purchased at their stores and Borders.com.

Will I still be able to get support for Borders apps?
Yes. Borders customer service will continue without interruption.

What does this mean for the relationship between Kobo and Borders?

Kobo is just fine (and it’s sweet that you’re concerned.) Borders is an important book retailer in the US market, but its ebook sales represents a minority of Kobo’s worldwide sales. As a global ebook retailer delivering books to over 100 countries on any given week, Kobo realized long ago that diversification across retailers and markets was important as the book industry went into a period of radical transformation. We feel confident that we’ll be with you for years to come.

What does this mean for Kobo?

Kobo is an independent, financially secure company that has huge vision to provide the best eReading experience in the world. We are focused on growing our share of the global eReading market every day. We have dozens of partners worldwide, crossing many sectors – book retail, consumer electronics, telecom, and general merchandise retail. As Borders is a minority investor and a minority of global revenues we see more upside in our future than downside from today’s news. As we continue to roll out new products, content, distribution and support for many new languages and markets, our revenue will not only grow, it will also diversify in a good way.

In the meantime, we are working with Borders to provide seamless service to their customers – some of the most passionate readers on the planet, and one of the biggest groups of booklovers around.

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