Newspapers, books and stationery group WH Smith is believed to have lodged an expression of interest in acquiring Clinton Cards with administrators at Zolfo Cooper. It is believed that the acquisition of Clinton Cards stores could increase the speed of WH Smiths expansion and strengthen its greetings cards and gifts business.

Online store Amazon has recorded first quarter profits for 2012 above expectations as a result of high sales of the Kindle Fire tablet computer. In addition revenue from the companys sales of digital movies and books has increased. Tom Szkutak is Chief Financial Officer at Amazon.

Smiths News has recorded for the six months to 29 February 2012 total revenues of £893.2m, up from £872.3m for the same period last year, and an increase in underlying profit before tax from £19.2m in 2011 to £21.5m. The company has also acquired educational supplies business The Consortium for aggregate consideration of £38m, equivalent to an enterprise value of £44.1m. The company expects the acquisition will add £64m of revenue to the group. Mark Cashmore is Group Chief Executive.

US-based online marketplace Amazon has launched AmazonSupply.com, a business-to-business e-commerce site. AmazonSupply.com offers 500,000 items, including office products, tools, janitorial supplies and laboratory equipment, to help business and industrial customers streamline their buying process. Prentis Wilson is vice president of AmazonSupply.