Author Topic: Microsoft Trying to Copy (Steal) Apple idea AGAIN!!!  (Read 102 times)

E. J. Rizo

Microsoft Trying to Copy (Steal) Apple idea AGAIN!!!
« on: April 14, 2003, 12:34:28 AM »
IS MICROSOFT READY TO ROCK?


 Report Says Tech Giant Interested
in Buying UMG  
 
 April 12, 2003

 Just one day after word spread of Steve Jobs? interest in purchasing Universal Music Group, comes a report that Microsoft has also expressed interest in buying Vivendi Universal's music arm.

According to the New York Post, Microsoft's interest is said to be at the level of "poking around, kicking the tires."

However, insiders say that the computer technology company has indeed had conversations with Vivendi executives about buying the music division.

The music world was abuzz Friday after the Los Angeles Times first reported that Apple, and its CEO Jobs, were in talks with Vivendi Universal to purchase UMG, the world?s largest music group, for between $5-6 billion

The prospect of a tech giants like Apple or Microsoft delving into the music business is an affirmation to those in the music industry that it is possible to make digital downloading profitable, and has been met with open arms during this dire time.

According to published reports, Jobs began meeting with Vivendi officials last October about possibly investing in UMG.

Apple has held talks with firms Thomas H. Lee Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Blackstone Group about making a strategic investment in the computer maker to help finance its deal, according to the Post report. But, even with help from the buyout firms, sources say it will still be tough for Apple to buy the entire unit.

According to the Post, Apple's interest is said to be stronger than Microsoft's?but Microsoft might intensify its interest as an April 29 Vivendi board meeting approaches. At that meeting, Vivendi is expected to weigh a variety of proposals for selling its U.S. entertainment assets, which include a movie studio, theme parks and television properties.

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source: www.hitsdailydouble.com
« Last Edit: April 14, 2003, 12:36:25 AM by E. J. Rizo »