Microsoft Releases Yahoo Proxy Nominees

Redmond, WA (AHN) - Microsoft has cut loose its slate of candidates for Yahoo's upcoming board of directors elections, a signal to investors the software giant does not plan to revisit its failed acquisition with the Internet company.

Microsoft's law firm Sullivan & Cromwell Thursday e-mailed the 10 potential proxy nominees that it was halting any hostile tactics. Before walking away from acquisition talks, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had suggested a proxy fight as one alternative if negotiations broke down.

However, the email is a "clear signal" Microsoft is not planning to restart talks with Yahoo, the Wall Street Journal wrote. Microsoft broke off talks this past weekend after Ballmer refused to match Yahoo CEO and founder Jerry Yang's $37 per share price tag.