"There are talks; there is contact," the Bertelsmann executive said.

"This is classic court politics," said a senior Bertelsmann executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Bertelsmann executives credited her with improving the results of a money-losing division.

Bertelsmann executives have pointedly declined to comment on the question.

But several Bertelsmann executives said the parts of the company most vulnerable to cutbacks were within the direct-to-consumer sales division.

But Bertelsmann executives now say that the music division may be well positioned under the new management.

Bertelsmann executives have also said the company is happy with the Web site's recent results.

The family's change of sentiment toward a public offering results from several factors, according to current and former Bertelsmann executives.

Bertelsmann executives have long made it clear that they want to expand their presence in the American market.

Bertelsmann executives have said they are pleased with the Web site's recent financial performance.