Close to signing
Despite all the
comments denying it, it appears that the on again, off again deal between
Microsoft and Yahoo is not only on again but close to being signed.
Top
executives at Microsoft have all flown down to Silicon Valley from their
Redmond, to iron out the remaining issues, which seem to have to do with the
deployment of technology. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer did not go with the
group, but apparently he is involved.
The dark satanic rumour mill claims
that the deal could be announced within the next week. Hacks in the US have
found deep throats from both companies singing from the same hymn sheet
saying that the deal will go ahead.
It is really odd that a deal could be
so close when Yahoo still officially is denying that it is even talking to
Microsoft. True, there is a possibility that a deal between the pair will not
go ahead. At various times the two companies have been “close to a deal”
only for it to go pear shaped at the last moment.
The deal currently
suggests that Microsoft will pay Yahoo several billion dollars upfront to
take over its search advertising business and guarantee certain payments
back to Yahoo. Yahoo might have to flog advertising for both companies. Both
need each other, if they are going to deal with Google.