Steve Jobs, Apple Computer"s chief executive, said his company never made any offer to invest in or acquire Vivendi Universal"s Universal music division, but he did not deny the two groups were in talks, nor did he rule out a possible bid over the next few weeks.
Mr. Jobs was responding to media reports on Wednesday attributed to Vivendi board member Claude Bebear, who was quoted as saying the computer company would "probably" make a $6 billion bid for the French media group"s music division. He added that the $6 billion figure was "a bit low."
A Vivendi spokesman later said Mr. Bebear denied having "given a view on any negotiations which may be underway." However, Vivendi insiders said that contacts with Apple were ongoing and could lead to an offer.
Meanwhile, USA Interactive has become the latest media group to file a lawsuit against Vivendi Universal in a move that could hold up the French company"s planned sale of its U.S. entertainment assets.