Apple Computers May Buy Universal Music

Will Apple Computers save the music industry?

According to a recent newspaper report, they might just give it a try.No, we're not talking about music downloads here — although Apple are at the forefront of that medium.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Apple Computer Inc. is in discussions to buy the Universal Music Group. Universal are responsible for some of the world's top-selling musical artists, including Shania Twain, U2 and 50 Cent. Not a bad investment, eh?

Sources believe that Apple is prepared to fork over as much as $6 billion to Universal's parent company, Vivendi Universal, in order to acquire the music company. The two sides have reportedly been in secret talks for months and a formal offer is expected to be made before Vivendi's board meeting on April 29.

It's no secret that the music industry has been in big financial trouble for the last couple of years and Vivendi has felt the pinch along with the other four major labels. Vivendi bravely fought off brankruptcy last year and are trying to keep themselves afloat by selling off some of their assets, like the music division.

If Apple does buy Universal, what will it mean? It's not clear if the sale will have much affect on consumers, but it does make sense to have a computer company — especially one as smart as Apple — to run a record label.

In recent months Apple have been testing a revolutionary new music downloading service that is expected to launch at the end of this month. If they're already thinking about ways to effectively combat music piracy, this just may be the lifeline that Universal (and in turn, the other labels) needs.