Yahoo!, Microsoft merger talks end

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 12 - Yahoo! Inc. said its discussions regarding a potential transaction with Microsoft Corp. have ended.

According to a Yahoo! news release, merger talks ended following several meetings and conversations with Microsoft, most recently on June 8.

Yahoo! said Microsoft representatives stated "unequivocally that Microsoft is not interested in pursuing an acquisition of all of Yahoo!, even at the price range it had previously suggested."

Microsoft said in a separate statement that in the weeks since the company withdrew its offer for Yahoo!, the companies have discussed an alternative transaction that would have delivered in excess of $33 per share to the Yahoo! shareholders.

While its alternative transaction remains available for discussion, Microsoft reiterated it is not interested in rebidding for all of Yahoo!

As previously reported in May, 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.

The Redmond, Wash., software company 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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