John Wallace

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Barnes & Noble Inc said it was unable to reach an agreement to end a rift with billionaire investor Ron Burkle as the top bookselling chain seeks to attract buyers. "Barnes & Noble and Yucaipa were unable to conclude an agreement on mutually acceptable terms," the company said in a statement, referring to Burkle's investment firm. Late on Wednesday, a source familiar with the talks said the two sides could be close to a settlement that would put an end to Burkle's lawsuit against the company and avoid a