Microsoft Seeking Partner For New Yahoo Bid

July 2, 2008 8:48 a.m. EST

Redmond, WA (AHN) - Software giant Microsoft has talked with other companies, including Time Warner and News Corp., about joining for another offer to buy Yahoo, a report said Wednesday. However, the talks are described as "preliminary" and likely not leading to an agreement with the Sunnyvale, Calif. Internet company.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer two weeks ago requested, then cancelled a meeting to talk to Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock about a possible new offer, the Wall Street Journal reported. The newspaper said Microsoft turned down a mid-May offer by Yahoo to be acquired for $33 per share, below the $37 a share price that ended earlier talks.

In addition, Microsoft has recently talked with billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn, advising him to continue his bid to nominate a new group of Yahoo board members at the annual company meeting, according to the report.