No truth to LinkedIn rumor?
By Dawn Anfuso
Reuters is reporting that an anonymous source has squelched the rumor that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. is holding takeover discussions with LinkedIn.
The rumor first surfaced two weeks ago when TechCrunch reported that Murdoch had taken a fancy to LinkedIn. It was fueled last week when VentureBeat weighed in, reporting that its "well-placed source" has confirmed that News Corp. is in "serious" talks to buy the social network geared to professionals.
Analysts say the deal would make a lot of sense, giving News Corp. the technology and service underpinnings to connect the business world readers of its Dow Jones publications. And Murdoch has been known to exploit fast-moving opportunities before they peak, such as his purchase of MySpace.
But the deal may not be necessary, as News Corp's Fox Interactive Media (FIM) internet division, which oversees MySpace, reportedly may already be moving to serve the business world.
FIM President Peter Levinsohn told Reuters last week that MySpace plans to let its users create different profiles to attract different contacts, such as personal friends, business contacts or family members.
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