More on the rumoured takeover of Universal Music by Apple computers. According to Reuters Apple boss Steve Jobs has now said his company "has never made any offer to invest in or acquire a major music company", though he didn't dwell on whether any talks were ongoing. Some reckon the statement might be a bid to reassure investors – Apple's shares have taken a battering since the Universal acquisition rumours stated to circulate. Either way both sides seem to be backtracking. Vivendi Universal have denied that board member Claude Bebear told Bloomberg that Apple would "probably make an offer for the music business for about $6 billion".
In a statement VU said: "Regarding a report by Bloomberg, Claude denies having given a view on any negotiations which may be underway. He believes that as a director it is not up to him to make such a declaration." Meanwhile more rumours that Universal Music may, in fact, be subject to a management buy out. The New York Post reckons Universal Music bigwigs Edgar Bronfman Jr, Doug Morris, Jimmy Iovine and Lyor Cohen are keen to buy the music company off parent company Vivendi, but that an initial $5 billion offer has been knocked back by the Paris HQ. Some reckon that any Apple purchase may be part of a management buy out.