The frantic excite-ment that surrounded Microsoft's $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo has two weeks later given way to a slower tempo as the two companies settle in for what could be a long negotiation. Similar to other situations, such as Oracle's eventual successful bid to acquire BEA Software, Microsoft and Yahoo have pulled back publicly from the proposed deal. However, industry observers say that, in the end, it will be difficult for Yahoo to find another buyer or partner that could offer the kind of money that Microsoft is offering, or a way of going forward on its own that would give similar value to shareholders. Having two weeks to dissect the deal, many believe not only that the deal will happen, but that it is good for Microsoft. Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck said in a Feb. 13 note that mobile Internet service and the advertising associated with it is an area that Microsoft finds attractive about Yahoo, as it looks to acquire the company and compete more effectively with Google.
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