Apple is the latest name in the frame after Google, Facebook and Microsoft, said to be in takeover talks with Twitter for its Tweet-based micro-blogging service.
Two influential digital media sites in the US claim sources have suggested that Apple has tabled a cash bid worth around $700 million.
Blog sites TechCrunch and Valleywag claim a deal could be cut by June 8, to coincide with the annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference jamboree in San Jose.
One of the sources TechCrunch, which in February was reporting on a supposed Google bid, said “Rumors popped up that Apple may be looking to buy Twitter. The trouble is we’ve checked with other sources who claim to know nothing about any Apple negotiations. If these discussions are happening, Twitter is keeping them very quiet indeed. We would have passed on reporting this rumor at all, but other press is now picking it up.”
The ‘other press’ being Valleywag, which reported, “A source who’s plugged into the Valley’s deal scene and has been recruited by Apple for a senior position says Apple and Twitter are in serious negotiations.”
The talk is that Apple will buy Twitter to help consolidate its iPhone App Store estate.
