Apple Reports Closing in on $3.2 Billion Purchase of Beats Electronics

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Apple Closing in on $3.2 Billion Purchase of Beats Electronics (Report):

Apple is closing in on a deal to acquire Beats Electronics for $3.2 billion, according to a Financial Times report. If completed at that price, the deal would be the largest ever for Apple. The deal is said to include both Beats’ music subscription service and its hardware business, which sells Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and portable speakers. The deal hasn’t been finalized, but could be announced as soon as next week.

WMG Attributes Q2 Decline to Light Release Schedule:

The Warner Music Group attributed its fiscal second quarter decline in revenue to a light release schedule while blaming growth in red ink to an increase in product costs. For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the company lost $60 million on revenues of $653 million, versus a $2 million net loss on revenues of $675 million for the corresponding period in 2013.

'Now 50' Eyeing Top Spot on Billboard 200 Chart:

The latest "Now That's What I Call Music!" compilation may bring an end to the "Frozen" soundtrack's reign at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry sources forecast "Now 50" to sell more than 120,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, May 11.

John Malone's Liberty Media Buys More Charter Shares, Posts Mixed Financials:

John Malone's Liberty Media on Thursday reported mixed first-quarter financials as revenue rose, operating profit climbed slightly and net profit declined after a big one-time gain in the year-ago period.

Tech Giants Join Neutrality Furor in Open Letter, FCC Responds with Open Email:

Today has brought two separate reactions to the raging net neutrality debate; the FCC has thrown open its doors, while the most powerful companies on the web have thrown down the gauntlet.

source: Billboard.com