During the week we heard a number of rumours from various sources about possible acquisition of Universal Music and Warner-Chappell by major high-tech companies, namely Intel Corporation and Apple Computer.

The Inquirer and In Play last week said that Intel is in talks with AOL-Time-Warner about buying Warner-Chappell record publisher, who deals with such stars like Madonna or Michael Jackson, while Apple Computer desires to get Universal Music, who also has contracts with big guys like U2 or Bryan Adams.

It is reported that AOL-Time-Warner wants just $2 billion in cash for its record division, while Vivendi Universal estimates its music company at $5 to $6 billion. Intel currently has about $12.6 billion in cash, so, it is not going to be too hard for them to get $2 billion out from its pockets, while Apple only has $4.46 billion in cash, and hence, the deal is still under a question mark.

A lot of companies who deal with personal computers, including Apple and Intel, now are also going to address consumer electronics market with some of their products that is why it may also be logical to acquire content publishers to expand their presence in various markets even more.