Microsoft may consider acquiring a piece of Yahoo!

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., May 19 - Microsoft Corp. said it is continuing to explore ways to expand its online services and advertising business, which could include a transaction with Yahoo!, Inc.

The company is not proposing to make a new bid to acquire all of Yahoo!, a Microsoft news release said.

Microsoft noted it reserves the right to reconsider that alternative depending on future developments and possible discussions with Yahoo!, its shareholders or other third parties.

Yahoo! acknowledged it is not interested in pursuing an acquisition of all of the company "at this time" in response to the Redwood, Wash., software company's announcement.

However, Yahoo! said it will continue to consider "value maximizing strategic alternatives" and the company remains open to pursuing "any transaction which is in the best interest of our stockholders."

It was previously reported that Microsoft withdrew its proposal to acquire Yahoo! for $31 per share, or some $44.6 billion, after Yahoo! failed to move toward accepting Microsoft's increased offer.

In April, Yahoo! announced a limited test of Google Inc.'s AdSense for Search service.

Microsoft was willing to raise its bid to $33 per share, Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer said in a May 5 letter to Yahoo!

According to Ballmer, the Sunnyvale, Calif., internet services company wanted at least another $4 per share, or another $5 billion.

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