Apple to Buy Universal Music?
Several readers report the following links: LaTimes and Spiegel Online indicating the same rumor -- that Apple is in talks with Vivendi Universal to buy Universal Music Group ("the world's largest record company"). From the LATimes:
- The discussions, a closely held secret for several months, could founder over unresolved issues. Apple hasn't made a formal bid but may offer $5 billion to $6 billion for the music company before Vivendi's April 29 board meeting, according to the sources
The implications of which would be remarkable. The LATimes also notes Apple's rumored plans to offer music distribution online:
- Defying conventional wisdom, Jobs apparently is betting that music is finally on the verge of becoming a profitable presence on the Internet. Apple has been quietly testing a service that some music business insiders believe could pave the way for widespread online distribution of songs.
(Alternative link: Here)
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115 months ago
The LA Times reports Apple is in talks to buy Universal Music from parent company Vivendi, saying Jobs will become the most powerful man in the music industry.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-apple11apr11,1,6558114.story?coll=la%2Dhome%2Dheadlines
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-apple11apr11,1,6558114.story?coll=la%2Dhome%2Dheadlines
115 months ago
Originally posted by AlejandroGonzo
The LA Times reports Apple is in talks to buy Universal Music from parent company Vivendi, saying Jobs will become the most powerful man in the music industry.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-apple11apr11,1,6558114.story?coll=la%2Dhome%2Dheadlines
If I remember right, apple has only 4 billion in cash reserves. Not that they'd buy it in cash, but it seems obvious that such a move would but a serious dent in apple's finances. Its a big gamble if they did go that route.
But it sure would be interesting if it happened. Personally I've been waiting for apple to absorb or create subsidiary companies that compliment their main business but isn't about software or computers. So I think something like this could be a good move. I don't know if this example is a good move, but moving outside the core business, without going into things they know nothing about, is going to be essential to apple's bottom line.
115 months ago
brought this up in the online music service thread too, didn't remember getting a response-
what about the deal with Apple Records?
what about the deal with Apple Records?
115 months ago
I hope they won t do that! Who knows, if sales on the hardware go down, perhaps they will not be able to come in a bonus with it. I think they will make large losses with this service, as , none of the "music you have to pay for" services on the internet has survived, as there are still things like kaza, limewire and co aviable.
115 months ago
I don't believe it. Actually, I do. I believe it just as much as the idea that Apple had caused ThinkSecret to go offline. I believe it just as much as the iPod updates that were going to happen three months ago and the dual 970s that some people think are coming to the PowerBooks.
C'mon!!!!!
Dan
C'mon!!!!!
Dan
115 months ago
music industry is hurting more than ever before... sounds like a waste of time, $$$, and energy to me.
115 months ago
Random thoughts:
I think it's true that Steve Jobs loves music, and he must think he is a good executive in the creative fields (e.g. Apple itself, but especially Pixar).
However . . .
If Apple owns one of the big music companies, doesn't that make it harder to launch a music service that offers tunes from everyone, which it must to be successful?
And . . .
What would Tipper Gore's role be?
I think it's true that Steve Jobs loves music, and he must think he is a good executive in the creative fields (e.g. Apple itself, but especially Pixar).
However . . .
If Apple owns one of the big music companies, doesn't that make it harder to launch a music service that offers tunes from everyone, which it must to be successful?
And . . .
What would Tipper Gore's role be?
115 months ago
The Register has a story about it. I agree with them that the whole 'digital rights managment' craze might be a huge opportunity for Apple if they play it right. I use both Macs and PCs (and actually like both), but if DRM is coming to the Windows platform (hardware & software) I will probably switch back to Macs only (that's how I started). I think nobody likes the idea that big corporations snoop around on their computer. If Apple plays up the privacy issue with just the right amount of paranoia I think they could do a switch campain that actually works.
115 months ago
very interesting. i really dont know what to believe, and i really dont care. seems like 6 billion is a hefty amount for a company with 4 billion. guess we will see. doest steve also have lots of personal cash from pixar and apple.
iJon
iJon
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