“The Coming of the Book – The Impact of Printing 1450-1800” by Lucien Febvre and Henri-Jean Martin, translated by David Gerard and published by Verso p. 127 (further elaboration on p. 140):
[T]he system of priveleges and monopolies granted by the state for certain editions often prompted booksellers to combine to form groups and local or national syndicates. The state often intervened in this way in the financing of editions. It systematically encouraged large enterprises and attempted in that way to reconcile printers to becoming docile instruments of policy, eager to denounce dangerous books. By this means the power of the great publishing houses was greatly reinforced in the book market.
Remind you of anything?