Lebedev says 'No comment' to report on Independent

(Alexey SAZONOV/AFP/Getty Images)

The Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev declined to comment today about a report in the Wall Street Journal that he is in talks to buy The Independent from publisher Independent News & Media.

The Journal cited a person familiar with the situation as saying that the talks were underway but that nothing was yet decided.

"I cannot comment right now," Lebedev told Reuters by telephone when asked about the report. "I am having a drink of whisky with an old friend so I am not able to comment."

A spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.