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It could also mean that the discussions are ongoing but McLaren doesn't want to lose their bargaining power by admitting the possibility. Their PR is under no obligation to be 100% honest and won't be if it is not in the company's financial interest.

Or they are splitting hairs between "investment" and "acquisition".

Or it could be that Apple isn't looking to "invest" but rather to completely take over or even just buy some of their tech.

Is it still an "investment" if Apple owns 100% of the stock?

is McLaren public? If so, having a false PR can be slightly illegal in some jurisdictions

McLaren is privately held.

BTW, I'm curious which jurisdictions you're referring to.

or that the discussions are over and it's not going to happen.

A company (or group of executives) that blatantly lies to the media risks damaging it's own credibility. In my experience, statements like this are usually technically correct, though sometimes misleading in spirit.