[Fsfe-france] [rumeur] Apple looking to buy Universal Music?

[Antoine]

Beaucoup de spéculation mais des commentaires intéressants...

http://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=50009562&f=174096756&m=6430927065&p=1

Malheureusement, l'article original (LATimes) n'est pas librement
accessible...


« In a move that may help a foundering company (Vivendi), add a revenue
stream to another (Apple), and benefit many (us), the LA Times is
reporting Steve Jobs is in talks with Vivendi to buy the Universal Music
Group for up to $ 6 billion. 

        Vivendi first approached Jobs in December, sources said, not
        long after its music executives visited Apple's headquarters to
        view a demonstration of his new digital service. Impressed by
        the service and Jobs' vision of music's future, Vivendi
        initially proposed selling him a minority stake in its record
        operation, sources said.
        
        Since December, the discussions have broadened considerably,
        with Jobs attending a series of meetings with Vivendi chief
        Jean-Rene Fourtou and other top executives in New York, Los
        Angeles and Cupertino, sources said.
        
        By March, Jobs began weighing the possibility of buying the
        entire music division and hired investment bank Morgan Stanley
        to conduct due diligence, sources said. This week, accountants
        were poring over bookkeeping records at Universal offices in New
        York and Santa Monica, sources said.
        
If this comes to fruition, Jobs would own the world's largest record
company which brings in $6 billion in sales annually. It would also
provide a wealth of artists for Apple's digital downloading service. The
biggest effect of the purchase would give Jobs a huge influence into the
workings and agenda of the RIAA, and bring instant credibility into the
world of music downloads. Add in Job's involvement with Pixar, the
reverberations would immediately be felt by entertainment industry
lobbyists in Washington. As of now, Jobs has yet to make an offer. What
ya waiting for Stevie? Make it so! Thanks go out to Alejandro for the
link. »