Microsoft poised to detail next moves on Yahoo

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Microsoft appeared to be leaning towards going hostile in its pursuit of the Internet company, citing people familiar with the matter.

Microsoft Corp Executive Steve Ballmer said on Thursday that walking away from a deal with Yahoo remained one of ‘three big options’ the company is weighing and to expect an announcement shortly.

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Neither side would comment on whether they were seeking a last-minute deal before Microsoft makes good on its threat to turn its unsolicited bid, currently worth $42.4 billion, into a hostile takeover battle.

The Wall Street Journal reported late on Thursday that Microsoft appeared to be leaning towards going hostile in its pursuit of the Internet company, citing people familiar with the matter. An announcement could come on Friday, the Journal said.

A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment.

But in a sign that Yahoo continues to resist Microsoft's embrace, a source familiar with discussions between Yahoo and Google Inc said a partnership could come as early as next week. The non-exclusive partnership would involve Yahoo carrying Google advertising alongside Yahoo's Web search results.

Such a partnership would not preclude a deal with Microsoft, the source said. Ballmer said that Yahoo was valuable as part of a strategy to beat Microsoft arch-rival Google, but there are limits on the price Microsoft is ready to pay. “Yahoo’s not a strategy, it’s a part of a strategy,” Ballmer declared.