More Microsoft-Yahoo Maneuvering
Keeping in mind, as always, that very few people actually
know
what's going on with this deal, Microsoft and Yahoo continued their awkward
courtship this week after Yahoo's rejection of Microsoft's first buyout overture.
With Valentine's Day approaching, this story has
all the makings of a romance that wobbles at first but then blossoms, like
something out of a lame but popular romantic comedy (actually, is there any
other kind?). With a major Yahoo investor telling Microsoft to up
the ante a bit, we basically have the female lead's (Yahoo's) eccentric
but influential best friend encouraging a potential beau (Microsoft) to keep
calling and sending flowers -- or something like that. We can hear it now: "She's
very independent! You've got to win her love!" (Um, we're not screenwriters,
OK?)
The only question is whether Yahoo will eventually fall for the multibillion-dollar
gleam in Microsoft's eyes or whether some quirky-but-cool guy will slide in
at the last minute, expose Microsoft as a big jerk, and make off with Yahoo's
affections for himself. (The role of the quirky guy -- another buyer -- is still
very much open at this point.)
Most pundits seem to point to an eventual Microsoft-Yahoo kiss under a white
gazebo at sunset followed by a blissful wedding (then, possibly, years of acrimony
-- stop us if you've heard this before), but then again, nobody really knows
what's going to happen. That's what makes the story so exciting!
We haven't had too much reaction to Microsoft-Yahoo so far. Let us know what
you think at lpender@rcpmag.com.
Posted by Lee Pender on February 13, 2008