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Microsoft in Talks to Buy eBay?

In a move designed to steal a march over Google, Microsoft has been looking into purchasing online auction company eBay and merge it with its MSN portal, according to reports in the New York Post last Friday.

"A deal...would give MSN and eBay considerable clout to take on Google," the Post report said. However, according to the article, talks have cooled in recent weeks as the two parties consider antitrust issues.

Sources told the Post that last week's alliance announced between Yahoo and eBay would have no impact on any potential deal.

Microsoft officials could not be reached for comment.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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