URBAN BOX OFFICE REPORTEDLY MAKES BID FOR VIBE AND SPIN

Inside.com reports that music and pop-culture Web site network Urban Box Office is in talks with Miller Publishing to purchase Vibe and Spin magazines for $100 million.

The acquisition of the magazines would provide UBO with strong revenues and marketing presence, something every Web site can use. Last year, the mags reportedly claimed pre-tax earnings of $12 million. Those sort of profits would benefit UBO in its bid to go public. The established magazines would also be utilized to cross-advertise UBO's sites, including urban music news source Soul Purpose and Indie Planet, a resource for independent artists.

Miller previously tried to sell Spin and Vibe last year, but yanked the magazines off the market in March, when bidders, including Time Inc. and Viacom, wouldn't meet the $200 million asking price.

UBO is not without its share of troubles. Founder and Motown Records head George Jackson recently passed away. The company has experienced a wave of layoffs and technical problems have delayed the launch of many of its associated Web sites. UBO CEO Adam Kidron denied an acquisition is in the works.