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Yahoo Rejects Microsoft Bid

Yahoo Rejects Microsoft Bid

by , 10:55 AM EST, February 11th, 2008

Yahoo officially rejected Microsoft's unsolicited buyout offer on Monday. The Internet search company turned down the US$44.6 billion offer stating that Microsoft undervalued it, and that it was acting in its shareholder's best interests.

Yahoo's Board of Directors unanimously rejected the take over bid and added "After careful evaluation, the Board believes that Microsoft's proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo including our global brand, large worldwide audience, significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects, free cash flow and earnings potential, as well as our substantial unconsolidated investments."

Microsoft presented Yahoo with a combined cash and stock buyout offer after the company reported a 23 percent drop in earnings and said that it was planning to cut 1,000 jobs in February. The Redmond-based company hoped to leverage Yahoo to gain a larger slice of the online advertising market and to better compete with Google.

While Yahoo rejected Microsoft's offer, that doesn't necesarily mean the proposed buyout is dead in the water. Microsoft could counter with a new offer, or attempt a hostile takeover.

So far, Microsoft has not responded to Yahoo's rejection.

Observer Comments

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Close Name:houltmac Posts: 264 Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:02 pm Subject:

Quote
While Yahoo rejected Microsoft's offer, that doesn't necesarily mean the proposed buyout is dead in the water. Microsoft could counter with a new offer, or attempt a hostile takeover.

While I am not going to pretend I keep up to date with current events or finances at Redmond, my understanding from the couple of stories I originally read about this was that even Microsoft could have been forced to take a loan to follow through with this bid. Would it be possible for them to offer more? Would they really consider it?

I completley understand Yahoo!'s rationale here, and support them entirely... still... $44B is a lot of money to turn down.

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Close Name:Guest
Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:55 pm Subject: I agree but consider

'I completley understand Yahoo!'s rationale here, and support them entirely... still... $44B is a lot of money to turn down.'

That is absolutely true-so consider the message that is being sent to Microsoft! They are in trouble, folks. Even if their current financial state doesn't reflect it yet, it's coming, methinks. Things could get very interesting . . .

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Close Name:Intruder - TMO Mac Specialist Posts: 3149 Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:59 pm Subject:

This may be more of a rejection of culture than money. The Yahoo and MS cultures may mix as well as oil and water.

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Close Name:Guest
Mon Feb 11, 2008 6:06 pm Subject:

This is pretty standard fare. Yahoo's board would be derelict if they did not turn down the initial offer and they can make a reasonable argument that the offer as it stands is too low. Expect Microsoft to increase the offer to something between $34-37 per share.

I still think this deal will eventually succeed but I really question what value Microsoft will get from it. I think they will ultimately overpay for talent that will have already moved elsewhere and likely be forced to divest themselves of some of the same assets they really prize.

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