Tag: universal2

The New York Post is claiming that Microsoft has also expressed interest in buying Vivendi’s Universal Music Group, “setting up a possible bidding war between the software maker and rival Apple.” Microsoft’s interest is said to be at the level of “poking around, kicking the tires,” but has had conversations with Vivendi executives about buying the music unit, according to the Post.

In what could be a blow to Apple’s reported plans to buy Universal Music, billionaire oilman Marvin Davis would drop his US$15 billion bid to acquire the entertainment assets of Vivendi Universal if it sells the music unit to Apple, according to Reuters. In a move to reduce debt, Vivendi seeks to raise $7 billion this year by selling assets that would include some or all of its Universal film, television, theme park and music units.