the
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Monday,
April 23, 2001
Universal
to purchase EMusic.com, well, because it would be cheaper than actually
buying their used stuff
Universal Music Group, the world's largest
music label, today announced their intention to purchase EMusic,
citing that purchasing the dot com would actually be cheaper than
going out and buying their office equipment.
"I mean, look at it this way,"
commented Larry Kenswil, president, eLabs, Universal Music Group,
"Do you know how much office supplies cost nowadays? When was
the last time you were at Staples?"
Bargain Deal
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Universal will commense a cash tender offer
to acquire all of EMusic's outstanding shares at an embarrassing
total cost of $435.17.
"We feel that both sides will benefit
from this buyout," said Gene Hoffman, EMusic president and
CEO, "Universal is getting a great price for all of our computers,
pencil sharpeners and Super
Soakers, and on our side of the deal we each get a season
pass to Universal Studios Hollywood, I mean, I love to throw up
my hands when I get on the ET
ride. He says my name at the end of every ride
I always
think, ET actually knows me!"
The Redwood City, CA based company had been
struggling in effort to keep a customer base with such competitors
as Napster and iMesh, but with such top artists being offered as
Johnny Cash
and Rod Stewart, it's shocking to the company why they weren't grabbing
customers on a larger scale.
"I mean, sure Rod has yet to regain
his voice after his thyroid removal, but the Christmas album he
released last year using his electrolarynx
was astounding, maybe his best work yet," said Hoffman.
In related news, Universal also announced
plans to allow EMusic's employees to remain employed within the
company, letting them choose whichever theme park they would like
to sell frozen lemonades.
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