March 9th, 2008
Reports: Apple close to a deal for Beatles catalog
Reports in several British newspapers say that former Beatle Paul McCartney has given his approval to make the Fab Four’s song catalog available on Apple’s iTunes in the coming months according to CNet’s News.com blog. Britain’s Telegraph reports that the deal could be worth $600 million.
A spokesman for Apple Corps, the Beatles record label, would not confirm when the records would be available online and said: “The date has not yet been set.”
The Telegraph also noted that the timing of the deal is somewhat suspect, subtley inferring that McCartney could use the money:
Sir Paul, 65, is currently involved in a divorce settlement with his estranged wife Lady McCartney and the final hearing, expected in 10 days time, could see him paying her up to £30 million in a cash settlement.
Apple has (so far) declined to comment.
Jason D. O'Grady is the editor of PowerPage.org, which has been publishing daily mobile technology news since December 1995. For disclosures on Jason's industry affiliations, click here or to view Jason's full profile click here.
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