Google Eyes Miramax to Boost YouTube
NEW YORK (
) --
(GOOG) - Get Report
is reportedly looking to acquire the digital rights to
Miramax
films in order to improve YouTube's premium content offerings.
The
New York Post
reports that Google is in talks with
Filmyard
, citing sources close to the situation, which is close to completing its $664 million purchase of Miramax from
Walt Disney
(DIS) - Get Report
.
A licensing deal between Filmyard and Google would include the rights to more than 700 titles such as
Kill Bill
,
Pulp Fiction
and
No Country For Old Men
.
Sources said Google is looking to buy the film rights to enhance its content offerings at YouTube to compete with premium streaming services such as Hulu and
Netflix
(NFLX) - Get Report
, which has also shown interest in Miramax's library.
"We're always talking to the studios about different things and Disney remains a valuable YouTube partner," a Google spokesman told the
Post
. "Outside of that, we don't comment on rumor or speculation."
The deal is expected to take place by the end of the year.
-- Written by Theresa McCabe in Boston.
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