Internet giant Google has decided against acquiring a newspaper, the Financial Timesreported, citing the company's chief executive and chairman, Eric Schmidt.
Google had considered buying a news publication but is now unlikely to do so because potential targets are either too expensive or have too many liabilities, the paper quoted Mr Schmidt as saying in an interview with the paper's online edition.
A newspaper acquisition is also unlikely because Google is "trying to avoid crossing the line between technology and content," the paper quoted Mr Schmidt as saying.
There has been speculation that cash-rich Google could take advantage of a dip in advertising revenues to buy out struggling news organisations, with the New York Timesseen as a potential target.
Last week, New York Timesboard member Scott Galloway said he did not try to get Google to buy the company, denying an earlier media report.