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Microsoft May Try To Replace Yahoo Board

Microsoft appears to be taking the next steps in its move toward a hostile acquisition of Yahoo.

Microsoft appears to be taking the next steps in its move toward a hostile acquisition of Yahoo -- or at least put pressure on Yahoo to come to the bargaining table.

According to a New York Times report yesterday, if Yahoo won't negotiate with Microsoft regarding the takeover, Microsoft will attempt to oust Yahoo's current board of directors and replace it with one that would be more more receptive.

"Microsoft would...seek to nominate a slate of directors to Yahoo's board by March 13, the final deadline for nominations, and pursue a lengthy campaign to oust the board," the New York Times' DealBook blog reported, citing anonymous sources. "The move, expected to cost about $20 million to $30 million, was Microsoft's alternative to raising its $44.6 billion bid and is seen as a less expensive way to put pressure on Yahoo's board."

Microsoft representatives declined to comment on the report.

Last week, reports indicated that Yahoo was seeking to partner with others, particularly News Corp., to avoid being acquired by Redmond and/or force the company to up its offer.

About the Author

Becky Nagel serves as vice president of AI for 1105 Media specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She also regularly writes and reports on AI news, and is the founding editor of PureAI.com. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. She has a background in Web technology and B2B enterprise technology journalism.

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