MP3.com bought by CNET

Music download site MP3.com has been bought by CNET Networks, the parent company of silicon.com.

The deal was revealed in an announcement on the MP3.com messageboard, which said that the site will not be available in its current form from 2 December. After a transition period, CNET will introduce new and enhanced artist services, the notice said.

The message warned that when the site is redirected after 2 December all content will be deleted from its servers and all previously submitted tapes, CD-ROMs and other media will be destroyed.

"We recommend that you make alternative content hosting arrangements as soon as practicable," the note said.

All content uploads will cease immediately and approvals of previously uploaded content will continue through to close of play today, the message said, before thanking customers.

"On behalf of all of us at MP3.com we thank you for your patronage and continued support. It has been a privilege to host one of the largest and most diverse collections of music in the world. MP3.com wishes to express its sincere thanks to each of you for making our website an important part of your musical journey. We wish you continued success," it said.

Financial details have not been revealed but CNET has bought MP3.com from Vivendi Universal, which paid $372m for the company in May 2001. The European operation was shut down earlier this year after failing to make a profit and Vivendi has been seeking a buyer for the US business.

A CNET statement said: "With this move, we are further enhancing our position as a premier global provider of interactive content. In 2004, we plan to enter the online music market, which has a very attractive demographic that is similar to our GameSpot website...We plan to launch a website that will be "the place you go to know" about music."