WSJ: Microsoft-Yahoo: A Snappy Comeback?

May 4, 2008, 11:54 pm

Posted by Heidi N. Moore

Will Microsoft make a comeback bid?

Yahoo shareholders, likely reeling from the Internet company’s decision to refuse a $33-a-share takeover offer, may want to take solace in a couple of deals where “no” really meant “maybe.” In the past, Oracle and PepsiCo backed away from takeover attempts, only to return to the negotiating table after their prey twisted in the wind.

COMMENTS

Really nice article. It documents some other mergers that looked like they were dead, that later went through.

Take a few minutes to read the whole story.

Time will tell how this one ends.

Where do you think this story will end?

MICROSOFT DROPS YAHOO BID

Business Week article here.

Wall Street Journal article here.

Where does Microsoft go from here?
If this acquisition was a key part of the strategy how can they walk away?

OPINION
Right now I am guessing that Yahoo was pressing to maximize the price they received. Microsoft has essentially called that bluff. This deal, if it is going to happen will occur early next week.
Yahoo will send feelers back to Microsoft and a deal will happen.

Could be completely wrong on this. The egos involved are too big to let this situation look like a disaster.

What do you think?

WSJ: Microsoft Appears to Lean Toward Hostile Yahoo Bid

Software Giant May Make Announcement Friday,

But People Familiar With Situation Call It Fluid

By MATTHEW KARNITSCHNIG, KEVIN J. DELANEY and ROBERT A. GUTH
May 2, 2008

Microsoft Corp. late Thursday was leaning toward going hostile in its pursuit of Yahoo Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, with an announcement likely Friday.

• Thought the price would get raised a few dollars and not get hostile.
  
• Looks like it is going to be an interesting Friday.

What are your thoughts?

WSJ: Mars, Buffett Team Up in Wrigley Bid

Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal.

$22 Billion Deal
Would Reshape
Candy Industry

By MATTHEW KARNITSCHNIG and DENNIS K. BERMAN
April 28, 2008; Page A1

Mars Inc. and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. were close to a pact to acquire Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for more than $22 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, in a deal that would remake the global confectionary landscape.

What is your take on this?

Will it happen?