MOG rumored acquired by Beats
updated 05:35 pm EDT, Mon March 19, 2012
Beats may get MOG for own music streaming
Partly HTC-owned Beats Audio was rumored Monday to have bought MOG. A single source for Business Insider claimed a quiet deal had been struck last week with no mention of terms. While unverified, MOG was unusually non-committal on whether or not it had been acquired, saying only that it was open to deals.
"We’re always looking for the best opportunity for our business and shareholders, but don’t comment on specifics of those conversations," a spokesperson said. "Nothing to confirm at this time."
Such a deal would most likely be to get Beats itself directly involved in a music service. HTC had tried a music store of its own with its Listen service, but it quickly backed out. Beats could offer MOG as a ready-made service both for HTC as well as for anyone else willing to strike a deal, such as with frequent Beats advocate HP. It would likewise give Beats an alternative to its custom audio software if problems ever surfaced with HTC or anyone else.
MOG a significant but relatively small unlimited music streaming service. If at all considering an exit, it may be reflecting pressure from Spotify, Rdio, and others, as well as its continued small size relative to pay-per-track stores like iTunes.
