Microsoft considers alternative Yahoo deal

[OhioChick]

Source: Reuters

19 May, 2008, 0358 hrs IST, REUTERS

SEATTLE: Microsoft Corp said on Sunday it has reached out to Yahoo Inc about an alternative deal that would not involve a full acquisition, in a move that could save the web pioneer from fighting a proxy battle with financier Carl Icahn.

Microsoft said it was not proposing to make a new bid to buy all of Yahoo "but reserves the right to reconsider that alternative" depending on discussions with Yahoo, shareholders of Yahoo or Microsoft, or other third parties.

Icahn launched a campaign on Thursday to replace Yahoo's board with directors who would reopen talks with Microsoft, saying Yahoo had acted irrationally in refusing the giant software company's $47.5 billion bid. A source familiar with Microsoft said that Microsoft had not held discussions with Icahn about Yahoo.

Read more: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Microsoft_considers_alternative_Yahoo_deal/articleshow/3051909.cms

[rwenos]

1. Sounds Like Greenmail Demand is Coming

Seems like Microsoft withdrew their offer to put together a greenmail demand. In other words, "pay us a cool Billion, or sell out to us or . . . . we buy you in a hostile takeover and sell off your body parts.

And it's legal, Baby.

[On the Road]

4. Carl Ichan May be Interested in Greenmail

but I seriously doubt Microsoft, with a market cap of $280B, is looking for a quick payoff.

I hope Microsoft wins in one form or another. Yahoo's designers, marketers, and software engineers have made such a mess of that site that it's almost unusable. MS makes good software with usale interfaces. I have no doubt it would result in a major improvement.

[frog92969]

2. Rome will fall, mark my words.

Why do you think windows is always being breached?
They leave those backdoors open for a reason.

Don't prop up techno dictators. "I am the Linux King - I can do everything"

Don't do it Yahoo, remember your humble beginnings making life easier for the people.

:grouphug:

[silverojo]

3. Memo to Micro$haft:

Kindly fuck off.