DHAKA: Apple is in advanced talks to acquire headphone maker and music streaming operator Beats Electronics for USD 3.2 billion, Apple's largest purchase to date. 

The deal could be announced as early as the week of May 12. 

Apple is expected to buy Beats’ streaming service and its audio equipment business, with Beats’ management team reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook. 

Beats holds a leading position in the market for premium headphones, but its real value to Apple is its potential to revitalise Apple’s coolness factor as iTunes’ popularity has waned and the iPhone brand has been hit hard by Samsung marketing campaigns. 

Apple is paying a high premium, as Beats was valued at over USD 1 billion when it secured a USD 500 million investment from Carlyle in September, 2013. 

Neither Apple nor Beats would comment on the matter.

Source: telecompaper.com

BDST: 1820 HRS, May 9, 2014