Microsoft has made a fresh approach to
partner with Yahoo, but any moves stops short of an
acquisition.
Microsoft admitted it was in fresh talks over the weekend, two
weeks after its proposed acquisition of Yahoo fell through.
Redmond said, "In light of developments since the withdrawal of
the Microsoft proposal to acquire Yahoo, Microsoft is continuing to
explore and pursue its alternatives to improve and expand its
online services and advertising business."
It went on, "Microsoft is considering and has raised with Yahoo
an alternative that would involve a transaction with Yahoo, but not
an acquisition of all of Yahoo.
"Microsoft is not proposing to make a new bid to acquire all of
Yahoo at this time, but reserves the right to reconsider that
alternative depending on future developments and discussions that
may take place with Yahoo, or discussions with shareholders of
Yahoo or Microsoft or with other third parties."
The approach came days after Carl Icahn, a Yahoo activist
investor, put pressure on Yahoo to reopen talks about selling
itself to Microsoft.
Icahn has already put up an alternative slate of directors to
run Yahoo, after increasing his stake in the firm.