Yahoo Cozies with AOL to block Microsoft Takeover

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Yahoo is in talks with Time Warner to help protect itself from a Microsoft takeover. The two are discussing a deal that would bring AOL under Yahoois wing and give Time Warner a minority stake in the combined entity, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Apparently Time Warner is wrapping up a proposal that Yahoo can take to its Board of Directors, and the deal could save the companies about US$1 billion annually.

Microsoft presented Yahoo with an unsolicited buy out offer on February 1 for $44.6 billion, but was rejected when the Internet search and advertising company said the offer undervalued it. Microsoft subsequently rejected Yahoois snub.

Microsoft stated at the time "The Yahoo response does not change our belief in the strategic and financial merits of our proposal. As we have said previously, Microsoft reserves the right to pursue all necessary steps to ensure that Yahoois shareholders are provided with the opportunity to realize the value inherent in our proposal."

Should Yahoo strike a deal with Time Warner in time, it will be able to keep Microsoft from launching a hostile takeover attempt. Microsoft, however, is on the prowl for a company it can use to take on Google in the online advertising market, and Yahoo is its best bet, which means the race is on and Yahoo hopes to win this one on its own terms.

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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