A hearty handshake to Battleground: Halo, who noted that Doug Zartman sent an email concerning the M$ buyout rumor to PlanetXbox. Responding to their asking Bungie for comment, Doug said:
Well, you gotta understand that there have been countless rumors of people buying us over the years - Eidos, GT, Acclaim - and we've developed a policy of not fueling those mills by commenting on the rumors. In general, if you haven't heard something from us, it isn't true.
Well, I think that settles it. Thanks to BG:H and PlanetXbox!