Report: Apple, e-book publishers resist settlement

Apple and two e-book publishers are reluctant to agree to terms sought by the Justice Department in its antitrust probe, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday evening, citing anonymous sources.

But three other publishers — Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Hachette Book Group — are willing to accept the Justice Department's offer to settle the case, according to the report.

The two publishers reportedly holding out are Penguin Group and Macmillan.

The Justice Department is investigating whether agreements between Apple and the publishers on the e-books amount to price fixing and violate fair competition law.

The Journal reports that the terms of the agency's settlement offer are not finalized but the publishers would likely have to allow Amazon to discount their e-books.

It is unclear whether the books would continue to be available on Apple's iPad and, if so, at what price. 

If the government and the companies are unable to reach an agreement, the Justice Department has warned it is prepared to go to court over the issue.

Neither Apple nor the Justice Department responded to a request to comment.

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