Murdoch keeps option to join Microsoft for Yahoo bid

22 April 2008

Mumbai: Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch has left the option for a joint bid with Microsoft Corporation to acquire Yahoo Inc open, days ahead of the 26 April deadline for Yahoo to respond to Microsoft's takeover offer..

Speaking to reporters after a speech at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs group based in Washington, Murdoch said he would not challenge a Microsoft bid for Yahoo!. "I certainly can't afford to bid against Microsoft," he said.

The News Corp chief, however, refused to rule out a possible deal with Microsoft over search engine provider Yahoo!. He merely said it all "depends on the deal."

Yahoo! has time until 26 April to respond to Microsoft's takeover offer.

Murdoch said Google is gaining influence in the advertising world. "Is Google really going to get control of the advertising world, and should Microsoft be supported in their attempt to try and stop that?" he asked.

Yahoo too is expected to report strong first quarter results, which could force Microsoft to raise its estimated $43 billion offer.