Contrary to recent reports published elsewhere, no firm from the Middle East is buying development giant Lennar Corporation, the company's vice president told The Signal Wednesday.

Marshall Ames, reached by phone in Miami, Fla., called a story in the Los Angeles Business Journal "old news" and "rumors."

"That's very old news," he said, when asked about reports Monday that Middle Eastern investors might purchase Lennar Corp., the parent of Valencia-area developer Newhall Land and Farming Co.

"It was fairly well discussed two weeks ago," he added. "But, we don't comment on rumors."