Speedserve has always been seen as very close to the interests of the Ingram family, which owns Ingram Entertainment and the larger Ingram Industries.

The book and distribution groups are both owned by Ingram Industries.

Lawyers for Barnes & Noble and Ingram, a unit of Ingram Industries, will try to make their case soon to the full commission.

In 1995, Martha Ingram succeeded her late husband as chairman and chief executive officer of Ingram Industries, one of America's largest privately held companies.

Bronson Ingram took the barge and book operations, which he named Ingram Industries.

Three of Mr. Ingram's children work for Ingram Industries, which is likely to remain a private company, a spokesman for the family said.

He joined Ingram Industries in 1986.

He served as Vice-Chairman of Ingram Industries from 1999 to 2008, and now serves as Chairman.

He served as Director of Ingram Industries from April 1990 to October 1996.

He has been the President of Ingram Industries since 1996, and its CEO since 1999.