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Microsoft's big bid for Yahoo

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Microsoft's big bid for Yahoo

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In Yahoo, Microsoft saw a way to make gains in the online realm. But after all the entreaties and ultimatums, the software giant wasn't able to get its way, and Yahoo remains an independent company. Tune in here for the latest.

Latest coverage

What Yahoo has, Microsoft wants, but Yahoo continues to play hard to get. Even as talks start, stop, and sputter, the two companies still face a formidable foe in Google--and many questions about what they'll do next.

Glass Lewis advises against re-electing 3 Yahoo directors

Institutional investor advisory service recommends shareholders vote not to re-elect Yahoo directors Roy Bostock, Ron Burkle, and Arthur Kern.
July 23, 2008

Yahoo earnings decline, miss estimates

Company's net income drops 19 percent and along with revenue misses analyst expectations for the second quarter.
• Yahoo discusses second quarter
• Will Yahoo ad business weather economic storm?
July 22, 2008

Yahoo to tap Jonathan Miller for board seat and more?

As Yahoo prepares to add investor Carl Icahn to its board, two other seats will come from his approved list. Is former AOL chief Jonathan Miller on tap to not only take a director's seat but possibly also the CEO slot?
July 22, 2008

Icahn recounts thought process behind settlement

Investor activist Carl Icahn provides a peek into why he reached a settlement with Yahoo over the weekend, ending a contentious proxy fight.
• Yang note welcomes Icahn's 'fresh perspective'
July 22, 2008

In settlement, Icahn to join Yahoo board

The activist investor, who plans to recommend two more directors and withdraw his other nominees, will be included in a board expansion to 11 members.
• Microsoft may come out winner in Yahoo-Icahn deal
• Yahoo lets fox into hen house. Now what?
July 21, 2008

Report: Yahoo shareholder seeks compromise

Leader of a grassroots group of Yahoo shareholders is expected to encourage his group to elect five Yahoo directors and four Icahn nominees, Reuters reports.
July 20, 2008

Yahoo gives prime Net real estate to Icahn-bashing site

The Internet pioneer has devoted a lot of precious pixels on www.yahoo.com to its fight with Carl Icahn over control of the company.
July 18, 2008

Legg Mason: We're backing Yahoo

The investment house, which owns 4.4 percent of Yahoo stock, says it will back existing management.
• Icahn's latest lament: Et tu, Legg Mason?
July 18, 2008

Microsoft ready to lose more money online

Software maker says online market is too juicy to pass up, but any real gains in revenue won't be immediate. Profits are even further off.
• Microsoft earnings don't wow
• What Microsoft has to say for itself
• Microsoft testing self-serve Adsense rival
July 17, 2008

Who knew? Yahoo finally grew a pair

Forget mild-mannered Clark Kent. Yahoo busts open its inner Man of Steel and lays it on the line to Carl Icahn and Steve Ballmer. Now we're talking.
• New Yahoo filing. A lot like the old Yahoo filing
• Yahoo letter to shareholders
July 17, 2008

Yahoo, Microsoft step up AOL discussions

Both are accelerating their respective deal-making talks with Time Warner's AOL, as Yahoo heads toward a proxy battle that threatens its current board.
• Yahoo's declining share price a drag on Icahn's proxy fight?
July 16, 2008

Yahoo takes defense of Google ad deal to Capitol Hill

Politicians questioned Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft over the antitrust implications of an advertising deal, which would make a purchase of Yahoo up to $250 million more expensive.
• The backstory on Senate's Google-Yahoo hearing
• Did Google's lawyer reveal too much?
• YouTube gadget soon scorned on Capitol Hill?
July 14, 2008

States reviewing Yahoo-Google search ad deal

Attorneys general from a collection of states are reviewing the search advertising agreement between the two Internet giants for possible antitrust violations.
• Selling the suckers on Google-Yahoo
• Yahoo-Google deal could raise ad costs by double digits
July 14, 2008

Microsoft enters Yahoo-Icahn fight to 'set record straight'

Software giant contends that its now-rejected sweetened offer for Yahoo's search business "did not include changes to Yahoo's governance" and was incorrectly portrayed as a "take it or leave it ultimatum."
July 14, 2008

Icahn, Yahoo dispute benefits of Microsoft search offer

While Microsoft improved the terms on search revenues it would pay Yahoo, compared with its initial offer last month, the search pioneer finds the guarantees lacking.
• Yang to employees: Expect Icahn battle to heat up
July 14, 2008

Icahn to run slate of nine for Yahoo board

Following the nixed weekend bid in tandem with Microsoft, the billionaire investor launches a formal quest to replace Yahoo's board.
• Icahn letter: Clean-sweep plan
July 14, 2008

Yahoo search deal boost as big as a bread box?

One thing on investors' minds must be how sweet was the Microsoft-Icahn proposal to acquire only Yahoo's search business.
July 13, 2008

Yahoo rejects joint Microsoft-Icahn bid

Yahoo rejects a joint-buyout proposal by Microsoft and investor activist Carl Icahn, which called for the sale of only Yahoo's search business.
• Icahn applies Oracle-BEA playbook to Microhoo bid
• Yahoo to MS: Drop the nudnik, maybe we do a deal
July 13, 2008

History provides some insight on Microhoo

Although deals can break on dollars and sense, it often comes down to people and the chemistry between the principals.
• Yahoo's Yang throws jabs at Microsoft and Icahn
July 9, 2008

Legg Mason suggests $33 a share for Yahoo

Portfolio manager Bill Miller says it would take a bid of at least $33 a share if Carl Icahn wants more shareholders to side with him in his proxy contest.
July 9, 2008

Icahn also fighting clock in Yahoo board challenge

Investor activist Carl Icahn gets an encouraging sign from Microsoft but has yet to outline his challenge for Yahoo's board of directors.
July 8, 2008

Icahn, Microsoft ready for action on Yahoo

The call goes out for Yahoo investors to oust the current board and elect Carl Icahn's dissident slate instead. Microsoft says yeah, we'd talk with a new board.
• Microsoft's letter
• Icahn's letter
• Yahoo's response
July 7, 2008

Icahn and Ballmer plot Yahoo overthrow

Just days ago, Bill Gates said it was unlikely Microsoft would make any kind of deal with Yahoo. Now Redmond is talking with Carl Icahn to replace Yahoo's board to pave the way for a deal.
• It's time for Jerry Yang to step aside
July 7, 2008

Yahoo shares jump on latest Microsoft report

The stock price is up in early trading, following a Wall Street Journal report that Microsoft may be seeking partners to make another run at Yahoo's search operations.
• Microsoft said to be seeking partners for new Yahoo bid
July 2, 2008

Justice Department to review Google-Yahoo deal

The federal law enforcement agency is preparing to send out document requests to third parties as part of its investigation into the companies' advertising deal.
• FAQ: Antitrust eyes on Yahoo-Google ad deal
July 1, 2008

Yahoo shares come nearly full circle

The company's shares had been riding high through much of the turmoil of Microsoft's pursuit. Now they're pretty much back where they started.
July 1, 2008

It's official: Microsoft acquires Powerset

As expected, Redmond scoops up semantic search start-up Powerset. It's not Yahoo search, but it brings in some compelling technology.
• Microsoft to buy Powerset
July 1, 2008

Yahoo unveils timeline of failed Microsoft talks

The company is hoping to woo investors to its side with a presentation filed with Securities and Exchange Commission.
June 30, 2008

June 19-26: Shedding execs, Yahoo reorganizes

One by one, and in quick succession, some of Yahoo's top executives have been abandoning ship. Then, toward the end of the month, the company formalizes a new executive structure with a shift to three main teams.

Yahoo reorg centralizes power

A shift to three main teams is aimed to improve products and speed decision-making. Jerry Yang and Sue Decker are still in charge.
• Yahoo tries going on the offensive
• Yahoo's reorg mapped out
June 26, 2008

Yahoo looking to unleash its cloud computing infrastructure

Yahoo CTO Ari Balogh says that much like Amazon's EC2 and Google's App Engine, Yahoo could offer infrastructure services.
June 26, 2008

After Yahoo reorg, will Microsoft go to Defcon 1?

Yahoo buys itself valuable time, but now the countdown really begins: is real change in store and will Steve Ballmer return to the negotiating table?
• Report: Microsoft might get more Yahoo for less
• Suddenly Jerry Yang needs Microsoft
June 26, 2008

Icahn battles for Yahoo's gold

The billionaire files his proxy statement, urging shareholders to send in the gold-colored ballot and vote for his slate of directors. (It's white for Yahoo's current board.)
June 26, 2008

Microsoft's Yahoo strategy: Betting on Yang

If the company is going to do a partial deal for Yahoo's search business, the thinking is that it will be easier to hammer out an accord while Jerry Yang is still in charge.
June 25, 2008

Yahoo defends Google deal

The company issues letter defending its Google deal, but a source cautions not to take this as a sign the latest talks with Microsoft are off.
June 25, 2008

Microsoft talking deal, not buy, with Yahoo

The two companies are once again on speaking terms, though several sources tell News.com that an outright purchase is not on the table.
• Yahoo gears up for investor road show
June 24, 2008

Yahoo and Microsoft: Is it on again?

There are signs of a new willingness within Yahoo's board for another try to work out a deal. Meanwhile, Jerry Yang remains out of sight.
• Microsoft's Kevin Johnson on Yahoo
June 23, 2008

Executive exodus leaves Yahoo in a pickle

The departures, which likely will concentrate power in fewer hands at the Internet company, mean loss of experience but the potential for a fresh start.
June 20, 2008

Icahn set to release his final Yahoo slate

Final version of the billionaire's proxy will indicate whether he will seek majority control of the Internet company's board.
June 20, 2008

Rough seas for Yahoo as natives abandon ship

Yahoo isn't quite a sinking ship, but it is beginning to list prominently as the executive exodus turns into a parade.
• Three more top execs leaving Yahoo; reorg coming
• Delicious founder leaves Yahoo
• Yahoo evangelist moving to Craigslist
• Microsoft looks to nab Yahoo workers
• Jerry Yang as Henry V? That's his choice
June 19, 2008

Court nixes expedited trial on Yahoo severance plans

Delaware court denies an expedited Yahoo trial on the company's controversial employee severance plans, prior to the annual shareholders meeting.
June 16, 2008

Activist shareholder calls for Icahn-Yahoo slate

Eric Jackson calls for Carl Icahn's dissident slate of directors to take minority representation on Yahoo's board--a "third option" he says would settle large investors' worries.
• Icahn finds merit in Yahoo-Google deal
June 16, 2008

Yahoo's Jerry Yang on a very hot seat

In the aftermath of Yahoo aligning with Google rather than Microsoft, Jerry Yang is taking a beating. But it's Yahoo's board of directors that should be called to account.
• The Yahoo + Google - Microsoft spin room
June 15, 2008

June 12-13: Microsoft drops its bid

Redmond says "unequivocally" that it is no longer interested in Yahoo even at the $33 a share that it previously was willing to pay, and Yahoo decides that a search-only deal with Microsoft is not in its best interest.

Microsoft: We only wanted to buy Yahoo if quickly

Following Yahoo's decision to go with Google, Microsoft's Kevin Johnson explains in a memo why it was no longer willing to buy all of Yahoo.
• Microsoft officially unhappy with Yahoo-Google deal
• Microsoft's Yahoo search bid worth billions
June 13, 2008

The battle for Yahoo's soul

Yahoo CEO and founder Jerry Yang bleeds purple. Carl Icahn and some Yahoo shareholders want his purple blood. Dan Farber chronicles the battle for Yahoo's soul.
• Now it's all on Jerry Yang's shoulders
June 13, 2008

Analysts don't rule out a Microsoft-Yahoo deal just yet

Despite Yahoo's formal announcement that buyout talks with Microsoft are kaput, analysts are skeptical, as shares continue to fall amid the announcement of a search ad deal with Google.
June 13, 2008

Google-Yahoo deal good news for IM, but...

Tucked into the Yahoo-Google ad agreement is a deal to bridge instant-messaging services. That's great news for IM, but it doesn't fix underlying flaws of online chat.
June 13, 2008

Microsoft's last offer to Yahoo

Software maker was willing to buy Yahoo's search business and offered to buy a 16 percent stake at $35 a share--above the price it offered when it was trying to get all of Yahoo.
• Yahoo: Microsoft doesn't want us anymore
• Yahoo-Google: Microsoft left searching
June 12, 2008

Carl Icahn to drop Yahoo proxy fight post Microsoft pullout?

With talks between Yahoo and Microsoft called off, don't expect investor activist Carl Icahn to drop his proxy fight against the Internet search pioneer, said one source familiar with the billionaire investor.
June 12, 2008

Yahoo inks search-ad pact with Google

Google will supply Yahoo with search ads in a partnership Yahoo believes will raise revenue by $800 million in its first year--but that also could give more power to Google.
• Google: Yahoo pact 'preserves' competition
• Yahoo to announce reorg, Google ad deal
June 12, 2008

Top network exec leaving Yahoo

Jeff Weiner, who runs much of Yahoo's search and many other core products, is leaving the company, CNET News.com has confirmed.
June 12, 2008

June 3-11: Icahn turns up the heat

Yahoo and activist investor Carl Icahn jab, parry, and counterpunch in a series of missives over Yahoo's leadership, its poison pill plan, and its deal-making savvy.

Icahn: Yahoo board may be 'personally liable'

Yahoo's directors may be on the hook for approving a controversial and potentially expensive employee-severance plan, the billionaire investor contends.
• Yahoo to ask for dismissal of amended shareholder suit
• Yahoo to lose network exec Jeff Weiner?
June 11, 2008

Yahoo dishes up FAQ on its employee severance plans

The company tells its employees the "that's nuts" comment made by its outside compensation consultant was no reflection of Yahoo's severance package.
June 10, 2008

Shareholders seek to repeal Yahoo severance plans

The investors are looking to invalidate a controversial employee severance package prior to the company's August 1 shareholders meeting.
• Yahoo files proxy, road show can begin
June 10, 2008

Yahoo-Microsoft partial deal not imminent

The Internet company is exploring the antitrust ramifications of a partial search sale or partnership with Redmond--but a deal is not close at hand, sources say.
June 9, 2008

Icahn: More scathing questions for Yahoo

Among other things, the activist investor wants Chairman Roy Bostock to share his time sheets, and wonders what the plan was while Google left Yahoo "in the dust."
June 9, 2008

Icahn sets price tag for Yahoo

The per-share price is one of two nifty nuggets in the latest saber-rattling letter to Yahoo's chairman. The other: Jerry Yang can stay after all--just not as CEO.
June 6, 2008

Icahn lays out five-point game plan for Yahoo

The bickering continues as Carl Icahn hits familiar points: nix the poison pill, depose Jerry Yang as CEO, and just sell to Microsoft already.
• Next up, Yahoo's dog-and-pony investor show
June 6, 2008

Yahoo rebuts Icahn: You have no plan

Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock lashes back at Carl Icahn, saying the investor misinterprets facts and has no plan beside selling the company to Microsoft.
• Icahn in dilemma over Yahoo severance plans
June 4, 2008

Icahn to Yahoo: Nix the poison pill, now

In a letter to board chairman Roy Bostock, the investor activist roars about Yahoo's "insulting" and "deceitful" actions regarding its severance plan.
• Icahn says Yahoo's not telling the truth about 'Microhoo'
• Video: Why Carl Icahn's taking aim at Jerry Yang
June 4, 2008

Yahoo president discusses growth plans, Microsoft

During CNBC's Power Lunch, Sue Decker talks about the company's performance and what it would take to do a deal with Redmond or any other party.
June 4, 2008

Yahoo touts ad deals, joins CBS video network

Online giant signs new ad accords with retail giant Wal-Mart and ad agency Havas Digital, and signs on as a CBS online video distribution partner.
• Yahoo opens address book interface
June 4, 2008

Yahoo sets shareholders meeting for August 1

In the coming weeks, investors will be deluged with competing proxy cards from Yahoo and Carl Icahn, as each side pooh-poohs the other's material and lets the barbs fly.
June 3, 2008

Icahn fight could spur Yahoo's severance plan

Billionaire investor's proxy slate may get saddled with Yahoo's controversial employee severance plan. Icahn, meanwhile, is said to be calling for Jerry Yang's ouster.
• Yahoo fails to keep pay plan details secret
June 3, 2008

Yang and Decker defend Yahoo's honor

At the D6 event, Yahoo's top two execs come out of their serial and secretive negotiations with Microsoft and Google to shed light on the future of their company.
• Video: Yahoo's Yang on the hot seat
• Murdoch on Microhoo: 'I'm mystified'
• Reuters CEO: Microsoft, Yahoo need each other
May 28, 2008

The lull in Icahn's proxy fight

The billionaire investor has been mostly quiet since unveiling his dissident slate to run against Yahoo's board. Should investors be worried?
• Gates on Yahoo: It's up to Steve
May 28, 2008

What Ballmer really meant to say in Moscow

In support of the CEO's recent remarks, Microsoft officials say acquiring Yahoo has always been part of "a" strategy, and not "the" strategy.
• Ballmer: Yahoo was 'never the strategy'
• Yahoo investors could get final say on a search sale
May 23, 2008

May 15-22: Building toward a boardroom battle

The saga takes a new twist as Carl Icahn, a billionaire investor known for his shareholder activism, steps in with a dissident slate of directors and a wealth of experience in proxy fights. Yahoo's July 3 shareholder meeting, meanwhile, gets delayed as a board member resigns.

Yahoo board member resigns, shareholder meeting delayed

Edward Kozel has resigned, citing personal reasons. The company also says it's delaying its annual shareholders meeting until late July.
• Google co-founder pushes for Yahoo ad deal
• Shareholder lawsuits to expose Yahoo severance plan?
• Hedge fund, corporate raider Pickens sign onto Icahn battle
May 22, 2008

Playing out Microsoft's online strategy

Latest rumor is that it could sign a search ad deal this week with Yahoo to thwart Google, acquire Yahoo as pressure mounts from shareholders, then acquire Facebook.
• A new wrinkle: Microsoft could take 'minority, passive stake' in Yahoo
May 19, 2008

Microsoft and Yahoo re-enter negotiations

Microsoft says it has issued another proposal to Yahoo, this one calling for an acquisition of some but not all of Yahoo's assets.
• MS to Yahoo: Never say never
• Kevin Johnson's letter on updated online strategy
May 18, 2008

Yahoo tries to conceal lawsuit documents

Suing shareholders and Yahoo disagree about whether information on the company's employee severance plan should be public.
• Yang issues letter to troops as proxy battle looms
May 16, 2008

Yahoo investors begin to weigh in on Icahn proxy fight

Major investor gets behind billionaire investor Carl Icahn's attempt to take over Yahoo's board.
• Yahoo responds to Icahn
• Will Microsoft make a return bid?
May 15, 2008

Carl Icahn's gang of 10

Billionaire investor's crew for the Yahoo proxy fight features Mark Cuban and a pair of names linked to Microsoft's dissident slate.
• Biting the hand that feeds you: Cuban vs. Yahoo
• Icahn's solid record in proxy fights
• Adios, Amateur Hour. The Big Dog marks his turf
May 15, 2008

Icahn launches Yahoo proxy fight, may boost stake by $2.5 billion

Billionaire shareholder activist Carl Icahn announces a 10-member proxy slate and is seeking antitrust clearance to acquire up to another $2.5 billion in Yahoo shares.
• Yahoo shareholder Jackson bows out of proxy fight
• Microsoft proxy slate free to go
• Will Yahoo investors be successful in launching proxy fight? Not likely
May 15, 2008

May 4-14: Picking up the pieces

If there's to be no Microhoo, then what? Microsoft says it has moved on--no, really--leaving much of the attention turned to Yahoo itself. The Internet pioneer weathered the stock market's harsh judgment on the rejection of Microsoft, but it faces uncertainty over a potential ad tie-up with Google and a May 15 deadline for dissident shareholders to take decisive action.

A reminder of why Microsoft wanted Yahoo

The megamerger plan may have gone away, but the threat from Google that the software giant was aiming to address has not.
• Video: Has Microsoft really closed the door on Microhoo?
• Gates on Yahoo: What part of 'no' don't you understand?
• Bill Gates reiterates Microsoft's Yahoo-less path
• Mundie: Microhoo totally dead, unless...
• Microsoft exec on Yahoo: 'We've moved on'
• Moving beyond Microhoo
May 13, 2008

The founder's dilemma: How to play the final sale

Critics say Jerry Yang and David Filo blew it by getting into 11th-hour negotiations directly with Steve Ballmer. But other company founders say the dynamics of the end game are more complicated than that.
• Negotiating with Microsoft is not for amateurs
May 9, 2008

News Corp.: We're out of the Microsoft-Yahoo-AOL fray

During its third-quarter earnings conference call, Murdoch's media conglomerate says nothing is cooking on the deal front with any of the three tech companies.
• If I had a nickel for every Yahoo rumor
May 8, 2008

Yahoo to rake in $1 billion from Google ads? Doubtful

It looks like Yahoo's deal to use Google search ads is much more limited than one scenario in which it would supposedly generate $1 billion in cash for Yahoo.
• Google addresses antitrust issue on Yahoo ad deal
• Yahoo-Google tie-up may not be so close
• Yahoo's AOL, Google deals still in the works
May 7, 2008

Microsoft: Saving face by buying Facebook?

In the wake of the Yahoo snafu, The Wall Street Journal's Kara Swisher hints that Microsoft's bankers may be courting Facebook, in which Microsoft already has a $240 million stake.
May 7, 2008

Yahoo shares break through low zone

Hopes of a return to the Microsoft negotiating table push the Internet search pioneer's shares up 6 percent from Monday's closing price.
• Yahoo shares take a drubbing
• Buffett's deal-making observations, post Microsoft-Yahoo
• SAP CEO: Microsoft should buy Yahoo
• Seven Yahoo analysts change to 'sell' or 'strong sell'
May 6, 2008

How to make Yahoo great once again

Memo to Jerry Yang: While technology will play a big role in your company's future, don't discount the strengths you already have as demand for online brand ads grows.
May 6, 2008

Yahoo sets shareholders meeting for July 3--fireworks anticipated

Yahoo sets a 10-day deadline for any shareholder who wants to name a dissident director to run against Yahoo's board to step forward by the end of business on May 15.
• Yang courts Microsoft: Show me the money
May 5, 2008

Yahoo's Yang: Time for work, not celebration

Yang believes the world that the Microsoft ordeal has left Yahoo stronger but not complacent. Shareholders will vote with their dollars Monday morning.
• Yang betting on Y!Open to save Yahoo
• Microsoft and Yahoo: Not even on the same page
May 4, 2008

May 3: The clean break

Microsoft raises its offer to $33 per share, but Yahoo holds firm for $37. In the face of continued intransigence, Microsoft withdraws its offer, and after three months, it's back to square one.

Microsoft pulls its Yahoo offer

Redmond withdraws its offer for Yahoo after talks between the two companies break down on Saturday.
• Ballmer's letter to Yang
• Ballmer's e-mail to staff on Yahoo
• Yang's memo to Yahoo staff
May 3, 2008

Microsoft: Proxy battle not worth it

Steve Ballmer confirms Microsoft was willing to offer $33 a share, but that Yahoo was holding out for at least $37.
May 3, 2008

Yahoo: Microsoft's price just wasn't right

The software giant didn't value the Net pioneer highly enough, Yahoo says after Redmond withdraws its offer. Yang calls the episode a "distraction" that's "behind us now."
• Yahoo's two largest institutional investors unhappy
May 3, 2008

Is Google ad deal really Yahoo's best option?

Even if Microsoft doesn't come back to the table, Yahoo faces raised expectations for how well it can perform. Is a Google ad deal the best alternative?
• Yahoo-Google ad deal could be announced next week
May 3, 2008

What's Microsoft's plan B?

The software giant has said for some time that it has a strategy with or without Yahoo, but it's a strategy clearly in need of a jump-start.
• Microsoft's move: Is it just a feint?
May 3, 2008

Post-Microhoo: Winners and losers

Now that the music's stopped--for the time being--here's what you need to know about the new constellation of forces.
• Ballmer and Yang: The last words
• Report: A peek behind the Yahoo-Microsoft meltdown
May 3, 2008

Why Microsoft covets Yahoo

Steve Ballmer understands that Microsoft's dominance is eroding. Yahoo is the knight in somewhat tarnished armor that it hopes will keep Google at bay.
• Microhoo's six key players work their magic
May 3, 2008

April 29-May 2: Post-deadline uncertainty

The two sides gird for what could be a final decision in a process that certainly feels interminable.

Yahoo-Microsoft acquisition talks back on

While a deal is far from imminent, the two sides are talking more directly than they have for some time, with Microsoft increasing its offer, according to a number of reports.
• Microhoo: By the numbers
• Yahoo shares jump as Microsoft decision awaits
May 2, 2008

The Silicon Valley triangle: Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft

It appears that Yahoo and Google are trying to check Microsoft, but it would only be strategic for Yahoo if Microsoft ends up paying a higher price.
May 2, 2008

Fight or flight? Tough choice for Ballmer and crew

As Microsoft's board weighs whether to launch a hostile fight for Yahoo or walk away, bear in mind that more than half of unsolicited bidders take the latter route.
• Report: Microsoft's latest leaning is to go hostile
• Report: Ballmer says Yahoo news coming 'in very short order'
• Ballmer's in a bind
May 1, 2008

Report: Microsoft board mulls higher Yahoo offer

The offer could rise to $32 to $33 per share, well over the present $29.12 value, but "major Yahoo shareholders" are angling for $35 to $37 per share, says The Wall Street Journal.
• Report: Microsoft board fails to decide on Yahoo
• Microsoft still moving in slo-mo on Yahoo
April 30, 2008

Schmidt in CNBC interview: We're concerned about Microhoo

In a taped appearance on the cable news outlet, Google's CEO makes it clear he isn't keen on Microsoft acquiring Yahoo.
• Report: Microsoft board met Wednesday
• Shares of Yahoo, Microsoft, and Google on the rise
April 30, 2008

If Ballmer bolts, who will lead Microsoft?

As Microhoo madness heats up, veteran Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley asks where the company's next leaders are coming from.
April 30, 2008

Yahoo director battle-tested on 'hostile' takeover fights

As Yahoo and Microsoft prepare to do battle, it turns out one of Yahoo's directors has already waged proxy wars in the past.
• Report: Microsoft earmarks $1.5 billion to keep Yahoo employees
• Yahoo president's salary up, overall pay down
April 29, 2008

Steve Ballmer's to-do list for the 'day after'

When he looks down his bench, Microsoft's CEO doesn't have a no-brainer choice to put in charge of Yahoo. This occasion may call for a Solomonic decision.
• Names of Microsoft's dissident Yahoo directors slate taking shape
• Yahoo, Microsoft shares sag, post-deadline
April 29, 2008

April 26: The deadline comes and goes

As the clock ticks down to zero on the three-week deadline Microsoft set, Redmond does--nothing, at least on the surface. But CEO Steve Ballmer has already signaled Microsoft's readiness to drop the offer if need be. Plus: Earnings reports from the two companies.

Is the Microhoo wedding off or just postponed?

The Saturday deadline set by Steve Ballmer for the two tribes to try to resolve their differences before Microsoft shifts gears has passed with no news.
• Five reasons Oracle/PeopleSoft was more fun than Microhoo
April 26, 2008

Microsoft CFO: 'We'll see what next week brings'

Sounding the same note he took with analysts Thursday, Chris Liddell tells employees that the company is still trying to figure out its next move if Yahoo fails to come to the table by Saturday.
• Yahoo investor guide to Microsoft's A, B, and C options
• Memo to Steve Ballmer for the long flight home
• What Yahoo's board did wrong
• Yahoo shares continue to lag as deadline looms
April 25, 2008

Microsoft maintains tough line on Yahoo

In conference call with analysts, Microsoft's chief financial officer reiterated a Saturday deadline and says he has seen no good reason to up its bid.
• Microsoft earnings hit the mark
• Increased piracy hurt Microsoft's quarter
April 24, 2008

Yahoo rewiring itself from the inside out

Speaking at the Web 2.0 Expo today, Yahoo CTO Ari Balogh described how Yahoo is transforming itself into an open and social platform.
• Yahoo's openness efforts may not find higher Microsoft bid
April 24, 2008

Ballmer: Microsoft can move on without Yahoo

The CEO indicates that the software company is unlikely to raise its bid for Yahoo and is "prepared" to walk away from the deal.
• Names percolate in Microsoft's opposition slate
• Yahoo shares dip on earnings news, Microsoft threat
April 23, 2008

Yahoo sidesteps the big questions

The Internet giant has a solid quarter, but it loses an opportunity to seize the initiative in the Microhoo discussion.
• Yahoo earnings rise on Alibaba stake
• Yahoo report filled with Microsoft subtext
• Results won't sway Microsoft fight
• Microsoft throws cold water on Yahoo earnings
April 22, 2008

Big week in Microsoft-Yahoo battle

Software giant has set a Saturday deadline for Yahoo to get serious if it wants to avoid a proxy fight. Also, both companies report earnings this week.
• Yahoo to serve up Q1 financials; what's in it for Microsoft?
• Microsoft may face tough proxy fight without higher bid
April 21, 2008

April 5-17: The Google effect

The pending Microsoft-Yahoo deal has always been about how better to compete against the Google juggernaut. But it turns out that the search giant is more than just a rival.

Yahoo, Microsoft, and the tailwind from Google

Google has turned in strong numbers for the first quarter. That could well have implications for the Microhoo saga as Yahoo gets ready to report its earnings.
• Google earnings make Microsoft yearn more for Yahoo
• Google's Schmidt: We like Yahoo
April 17, 2008

Analyst: Microsoft shares could handle 10 percent bump in Yahoo bid

Microsoft investors, says Brent Thill of Citigroup Global Markets, apparently are focused only on the Yahoo deal and are ignoring Redmond's strong underlying fundamentals.
• A hidden Yahoo acquisition cost for Microsoft
April 17, 2008

Google and Yahoo looking good?

Yahoo is inching closer to an ad search outsourcing deal with Google, after early returns of their two-week test show favorable results, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
April 16, 2008

Report: Microsoft wants to buy Yahoo on its own

A source tells Reuters that Microsoft would rather buy Yahoo without the assistance of News Corp. And the latter may be in talks with Yahoo directly.
• Analysts: Yahoo and Microsoft likely to synch up this week
• Is there a Y!Phone is Microhoo's future?
April 14, 2008

L'affaire Yahoo is tres banale to Madison Ave.

Advertising executives are watching the fight over the Internet pioneer. But they're still waiting to hear what's in it for them.
• Yahoo board to pull all-nighter? Nope
• Yahoo refining search-ad bidding process
• Analyst: Yahoo-AOL merger is a viable option
• Looks like some Yahooers prefer Microsoft to AOL
April 11, 2008

Yahoo board to debate deal scenarios

Board is expected to debate various options for cutting a deal with Microsoft, AOL-Time Warner, and Google, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
• A visual guide to the Yahoo mating dance
• AOL CEO addresses troops, but not Yahoo
April 10, 2008

Yahoogle? Microspace? It makes Google look good

More radical scenarios are sweeping across the Microsoft-Yahoo landscape. All the ruckus makes Google's position in Internet advertising look that much more solid.
• In buyout brawl, a flurry of punches
• Microhoo: Where's the outrage?
April 10, 2008

Yahoo to try using Google for search ads

In a dramatic departure that signals how seriously it's taking the Microsoft acquisition attempt, Yahoo will test the use of Google's ads for searches.
• Microsoft counsel warns against Yahoo-Google deal
April 9, 2008

Yahoo gets investor support in efforts to fend off Microsoft

Yahoo is said to have received confirmation of support from its second-largest investor, as it seeks to push Microsoft to up its buyout bid.
• Yahoo nixes June 10 shareholders meeting
April 8, 2008

Yahoo says Microsoft offer still 'undervalues' company

Microsoft issued an ultimatum Saturday to do a deal with the software giant within three weeks, or it will launch a proxy fight and take its case directly to Yahoo investors.
• Text of Yahoo's letter to Microsoft
• Can Yang dance with the heavyweight champ?
April 7, 2008

April 5: Microsoft sets a deadline

Enough is enough, Microsoft declares. The software giant gives Yahoo three weeks to accept its terms or face a more hostile effort.

Microhoo: Ballmer takes off his gloves

Ballmer to Yang: Either join up with us or your shareholders, employees, and users will suffer from your inaction.
• Microsoft gives Yahoo three weeks to do a deal
• Ballmer's letter to Yahoo board: 'Now is the time'
• Salesforce.com's the better fit
April 5, 2008

Microsoft's search numbers show need for Yahoo

Latest monthly market share numbers from Comscore show Microsoft still struggling just to tread water against Google.
March 20, 2008

Yahoo takes the long road to Redmond

Without a competing suitor to push Microsoft's unsolicited bid higher, Yahoo is turning to its investors to get that job done.
March 19, 2008

March 18: Yahoo touts its strengths

We don't come cheap. That's the basic message from Yahoo's barrage of financial projections about the company's potential over the next three years.

Yahoo: We'll double our cash flow

The Internet giant releases long-range financial forecasts to show that Microsoft's takeover bid "substantially undervalues" the company.
• Yahoo SEC filing aimed at investors, Microsoft
March 18, 2008

Source: Yahoo in informal talks with Microsoft

Yahoo's resolve appears to be softening, yet whether such discussions will lead to a deal remains to be seen, says source familiar with the talks.
March 13, 2008

Microsoft board to address next step in bid

Move could come in the next several days, according to a source. That's amid what appears to be a softening stance from the Internet search pioneer.
• Yahoo extends deadline for Microsoft to name opposition slate
March 5, 2008

Microsoft-Yahoo buyout bid: The road ahead

As Microsoft looks at the road ahead in its takeover bid for Yahoo, it might also want to glance at the rearview mirror to see what's been traveled.
• Combo could mean one fewer exit for upstarts
March 4, 2008

More Yahoo shareholders sue over bid

Also, Windows Live boss Kevin Johnson pens a memo about the bid to Microsoft employees, though its purpose seems just as much an attempt to reassure Yahoo workers.
February 22, 2008

February 2-20: Microsoft waits and wonders

With Yahoo showing no signs of quick acquiescence to Microsoft's offer, Chairman Bill Gates and other Redmond execs weigh in on why a combined company would be a good thing.

Gates explains why Microsoft needs Yahoo

A main driver of the takeover offer is the desire for "great engineers," says Microsoft's chairman. Plus: Windows 7 and other future tech.
• Podcast: Behind Bill Gates' latest call to arms
February 20, 2008

Microsoft waiting for formal rejection

Wondering why Redmond hasn't upped its bid for Yahoo yet? The software giant may be waiting for a "Dear John" letter.
• Microsoft exec confident deal will work
• Yahoo outlines golden parachutes for employees
February 19, 2008

Report: Yahoo board divided over offer

New York Post says Yahoo's board is starting to split, with some independent directors sensing that CEO Jerry Yang is viewing the bid too emotionally.
• Top Yahoo shareholders could support Microsoft
February 15, 2008

Memo to Microsoft: Yahoo's A-list

The merger-minded software giant will likely want to keep Yahoo execs in a host of areas, including online ads, social media and Web search.
• Microsoft's acquisition track record
February 13, 2008

What's Microsoft's next move?

After a resounding "no" on its unsolicited buyout offer for Yahoo, Redmond will either up the ante or ready a one-two punch.
• Yahoo rejects Microsoft's bid
February 11, 2008

Bid raises more congressional eyebrows

Another House committee plans to hold a hearing on developments in the online ad world, regardless of whether the Microsoft-Yahoo deal goes through.
• Flickr fans band together to fend off Microsoft
February 5, 2008

Google calls Microsoft's 'hostile' bid troubling

A Microsoft-Yahoo merger could threaten the openness on which the Internet is based, a Google executive says.
February 3, 2008

February 1: The offer

Like a bolt from the blue, Microsoft goes public with its bid to acquire Internet heavyweight Yahoo, as both companies look for better ways to compete against Google.

Microsoft bids $44.6 billion for Yahoo

The offer--described by Yahoo as "unsolicited"--amounts to $31 per share, or a 62 percent premium above its closing price Thursday.
• Q&A: Microsoft's Johnson on the bid
• Chart: A Microsoft-Yahoo combo by the numbers
February 1, 2008

FAQ: What's next for Microsoft's bid?

Microsoft faces financial and legal hurdles in its unsolicited bid for Yahoo. CNET News.com walks you through the potential steps.
• With Yahoo, Microsoft faces antitrust fight once again
• Open-source silver lining in Microsoft's proposal?
February 1, 2008

Perspective: Microsoft-Yahoo the mother of all clusterbombs

To pull this off, Microsoft's Steve Ballmer will need to throw one hell of a hail mary pass, says CNET News.com's Charles Cooper.
February 1, 2008

How deal could shape social networking

Don't expect to see Microsoft-Yahoo trying to create the next MySpace. They're going to try to stake a claim to the ad market instead.
• Microsoft: Threat or savior for Flickr?
February 1, 2008

Google's rise key to potential Microsoft-Yahoo merger

Three years ago, Yahoo was the search leader, online ads weren't so huge, and Microsoft's dominance on every PC was undisputed. All that's changed.
February 1, 2008

Cultural differences loom large

Both are aiming at Google but sit in different places--literally. Microsoft's work just begins with having to win over Yahoo's board and shareholders.
February 1, 2008

Images and video

Video: Icahn goes to the mat
The alpha investor is ready to replace all of Yahoo's board in its entirety. CNET News' Charlie Cooper and Dawn Kawamoto offer the lowdown. (7/14/08)

Video: The chase for Yahoo
CNET News' Kara Tsuboi and Dawn Kawamoto look at the Microsoft- Carl Icahn move to oust Yahoo's board. (7/7/08)

Video: Yahoo-Google scrutiny
News.com's Kara Tsuboi and Dawn Kawamoto discuss the ad deal and the newly launched Department of Justice probe. (7/2/08)

Video: Yahoo turns the page
News.com's Charles Cooper and Dan Farber discuss what happened, and what didn't, in the company's long-awaited reorganization. (6/26/08)

Video: Is Microhoo still a possibility?
Comparing Microsoft and Yahoo to a pair of teenagers trying to figure out if they like each other, CNET News.com's Ina Fried explains who's more desperate for the other's company. (6/25/08)

Video: Bill Gates' greatest hits and misses
ZDNet rates Gates' many keynotes and product launches, separating the successful from those that missed the mark. (6/25/08)

Video: Yahoo, Google pair up on search ads
News.com reporters sit down to discuss why Microsoft walked away from the table and Google bellied up. (6/12/08)

Video: Icahn's plans for Yahoo
News.com's Charles Cooper and Dawn Kawamoto discuss Carl Icahn's latest broadside, and the possibility of Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang and others being ousted. (6/4/08)

Video: Microhoo redux
News.com's Dan Farber and Charles Cooper discuss the tangled web that is Microsoft and Yahoo, including Redmond's latest offer. (5/19/08)

Video: A rundown of 'L'affair Microhoo'
News.com's Dan Farber says recent statements suggest Microsoft is leaving the door open to Yahoo. (5/8/08)

Video: Moving beyond Microhoo
News.com's Dan Farber and Ina Fried look at how the deal fell apart and where the two companies go from here. (5/5/08)

Image: Takeover attempts
How common is it for companies to try taking over other companies? And how often does it get hostile? (5/1/08)

Image: Top 10 U.S. tech mergers
Here's a ranking of the leading U.S. technology merger and acquisition deals based on value. (5/1/08)

Video: A slo-mo game of chicken
CNET News.com's Kara Tsuboi and Ina Fried look at where Microsoft's bid for Yahoo stands and why it's got everyone on edge. (4/30/08)

Images: Rewiring Yahoo
Born as a Web portal, the company wants to create a new experience--social and open--for both consumers and developers. (4/24/08)

Image: Guide to the Microhoo saga
We've put together this handy guide to help you keep track of all the companies trying to buy or partner with Yahoo. Follow along if you can. (4/10/08)

Images: Yahoo's future finances
SEC filing shows Yahoo thinks it's worth more than Microsoft is offering. (3/18/08)

Video: Windows Server 2008
Steve Ballmer talks with News.com's Ina Fried about the software launch as well as relations with Brussels. (2/27/08)

Video: Gates on tools, Yahoo
In an interview with Fried, Bill Gates offers a glimpse at the rationale behind the Yahoo bid. (2/19/08)

Video: Deciphering Microsoft's bid
ZDNet Editor in Chief Dan Farber talks to Fried about Microsoft's surprise announcement. (2/1/08)

Video: Abuzz over Microsoft's bid
On the streets of Silicon Valley, everyone from software engineers to grandmas was analyzing the takeover offer. (2/1/08)

Video: Ballmer's big Yahoo vision
ZDNet's Farber analyzes Microsoft's strategy in search and the potential deal's impact on chief rival, Google. (2/1/08)

Images: Home page baby pictures
MSN.com and Yahoo.com might be rival destinations, but really, they've grown up together. Take a look back. (2/1/08)

Photos: Vista's first year
A look back on Vista since Microsoft first released the consumer version of the latest Windows operating system. (1/30/08)

Microsoft acquisitions

Although Microsoft isn't known for its massive acquisitions, the company has made some sizable purchases over the years. Here's a look at some of the company's largest deals.
Company	Year	Estimated cost
Fast	2008	$1.2 billion
Aquantive	2007	$6 billion
Tellme	2007	$800 million
Navision	2002	$1.33 billion
Great Plains	2001	$1.1 billion
Visio	1999	$1.3 billion
Hotmail	1998	$400 million
WebTV	1997	$425 million
Source: CNET News.com

Documents

Yahoo rebuts Icahn: You have no plan
Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock lashes back at Carl Icahn, saying the investor misinterprets facts and has no plan beside selling the company to Microsoft. (6/4/08)

Icahn to Yahoo: Nix the poison pill, now
In a letter to Chairman Roy Bostock, Carl Icahn roars about Yahoo's "insulting" and "deceitful" actions regarding its severance plan. (6/4/08)

Microsoft's updated online strategy
Windows Chief Kevin Johnson updates his team as Microsoft makes another pitch to Yahoo, days ahead of Redmond's annual advertising conference. (5/18/08)

Yang's talking points on Icahn
The CEO sends letters to employees and senior execs on how Yahoo will deal with Carl Icahn's board bid. (5/16/08)

Yahoo to Icahn: Nuh-uh
Chairman Roy Bostock tells investor/activist Carl Icahn in no uncertain terms that Yahoo doesn't need any shakeup in the boardroom. (5/15/08)

Icahn: Yahoo board 'acted irrationally'
The billionare investor sends a letter to Chairman Roy Bostock urging Yahoo to revisit Microsoft's offer. (5/15/08)

Yang's memo to Yahoo staff
Yahoo's CEO tries to rally the troops after Microsoft drops its acquisition attempt: "We must redouble our efforts." (5/4/08)

Ballmer's letter to Yang
Here is the text of the letter Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent to Yahoo chief Jerry Yang after talks broke down on Saturday. (5/3/08)

Ballmer's e-mail to staff on Yahoo
Here is the text of the letter Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent to Microsoft employees after talks broke down on Saturday. (5/3/08)

Ballmer talks Microhoo with employees
Microsoft CEO addressed his troops and spent some of the speech talking about the Yahoo takeover bid. Here's what he said. (5/2/08)

Yahoo: Price must be right
Responding to Microsoft's Saturday ultimatum, Yahoo says it won't be bought "for anything less than (our) full value." (4/7/08)

Ballmer: 'Now is the time'
Microsoft's CEO expresses impatience over a lack of resolution and issues a three-week deadline. (4/5/08)

Yahoo buys time in Microsoft bid
CEO Jerry Yang explains why Yahoo is extending the deadline to nominate opposition candidates to its board. (3/5/08)

'This pivotal moment for Yahoo'
Yang tells to employees why he believes Microsoft's bid undervalues the company. (2/11/08)

Another virtual group hug from Yang
Yahoo CEO sends second e-mail in three days to comfort and encourage workers in face of Microsoft offer. (2/6/08)

Yang: 'Absolutely no decisions have been made'
Memo to anxious staffers urges all to keep cool and to stay focused on the task at hand. (2/4/08)

Ballmer's memo to his troops
In an e-mail to staff, Microsoft's chief gushes over Yahoo, while urging employees to try and keep their minds on business as usual. (2/1/08)

Ballmer's letter to Yahoo: We want you
Read the text of the letter that Microsoft sent to Yahoo's board late Thursday. (2/1/08)

Credits

Editor: Anne Dujmovic, Jon Skillings
Design: Andrew Ballagh
Production: Emily Shurr

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