Book retailer Borders yesterday sold its UK and Ireland business to a private equity firm for up to £20m.

The deal includes all 42 Borders superstores, including those in Newcastle, Gateshead, Stockton and York, and the 28 Books Etc stores owned by the group.

The stores employ about 2,000 staff in total.

The sale to Risk Capital Partners (RCP) follows a review of international operations by the US-based books group.

RCP also owns fashion retailer East and the Giraffe restaurant chain.