More on those merger talks. Word is that Warners are still talking to EMI about a possible merger while those higher profile BMG talks develop. Insiders reckon that a merger with EMI is as likely as one with BMG - though in the former deal EMI boss Alain Levy would take the top job, where as in the latter Warner's Roger Ames would be in charge - so needless to say he favours a deal with Bertelsmann. The same gossips tell us the possibility of an EMI / BMG deal is very unlikely because of key disagreements between the two companies as to how a deal would be done.
Other major label gossip. Former Universal Music boss Barry Diller lunched with Universal group CEO Jean-Rene Fourtou on Tuesday. Gossips are split on whether the two were discussing Diller's legal action against the major over a tax dispute or perhaps Diller's possible takeover of one or more of Universal's entertainment companies. Or perhaps Fourtou was just getting Diller's permission for a seperate sell off of one of the Group's entertainment companies - a complicated deal between Universal and Diller when the major took over his USA Interactive company gives Diller some sort of veto on some sales. Or perhaps they were just enjoying some nice food. Who knows...