Napster casts about for white knight; White knights look the other way

While Spiralfrog's advertising-supported-free-music service attracting all the attention, what's happened to the pioneer of the "buy before you try" download services? Things aren't looking great over at Napster, who are looking for a buyer.

They're trying to spin this as a leap for the next stage rather than a fire sale, of course:

Chairman and chief executive Chris Gorog insisted the company could grow independently, while welcoming the opportunity to look for buyers. "Our goal is to enhance shareholder value which could potentially lead to a new strategic partnership or the sale of the company."

If plans to sell Napster fails, they might consider giving it away to anyone prepared to sit through a thirty-second advert.

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