Amazon has acquired UK-based online bookseller The Book Depository International.

Industry experts believe the acquisition will increase the American company’s “stranglehold” over the online book trade in the UK.   

It is estimated that Amazon accounts for 70 percent of UK internet book sales with The Book Depository and Play.com its largest rivals.

The Book Depository International, which was founded in 2004 by Irish entrepreneur Andrew Crawford, claims to be the fastest-growing bookseller in Europe.

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In 2010 the company’s turnover was £69m. This figure has nearly doubled to £120m in the last financial years.

The Book Depository International has an offering of over 6 million books on a range of different topics.   

It is as popular for its extensive collection of books as it is for competitive pricing. The Book Depository also offers overseas customers free shipping.

Many customers are worried that these perks will be lost in the acquisition and have taken to Twitter to air their concerns.

However, Amazon and The Book Depository International have promised that the acquisition will make the current service even better.   

"With the support of Amazon, we look forward to continuing our growth and providing an ever-improving service for readers globally," said Andrew Crawford, Founder of The Book Depository International.