The largest bookstore chain in the United States will likely end its months-long search for a buyer without a sale of the company, Bloomberg reported.

Barnes and Noble Inc., facing mounting competition as more people buy electronic readers such as Amazon.com Inc.’s Kindle, began exploring a possible sale last year.

Citing unidentified sources, Bloomberg said private-equity firms and strategic bidders have shied away from the auction, and interest from at least seven potential buyers waned after the first round of bidding.

A Barnes and Noble spokeswoman said the process is ongoing.

The company, which has more than 700 stores, may take over some of Borders Group Inc.’s locations as that book seller plans to close at least 200 of its stores as part of its restructuring.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Borders, the second-largest U.S. book chain, filed for bankruptcy protection in February. It has said that it will probably close its West Des Moines store in May.

Barnes and Noble operates two stores in West Des Moines, including a store at 4550 University Ave. and an outlet at Jordan Creek Town Center.