MS CEO jokes about Yahoo bid search users

MS CEO jokes about Yahoo bid, search users

Ballmer asks how many people use Yahoo as their primary Web search engine

Saturday, April 19, 2008

SEATTLE, USA: Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer may be experiencing a case of bidder's remorse after making an unsolicited $42.3 billion offer to buy Yahoo Inc.

Speaking to a group of nearly 2,000 Microsoft enthusiasts at a technology conference in Seattle, Ballmer asked how many people use Yahoo as their primary Web search engine.

Only a handful of arms went up -- fewer than for Microsoft's Windows Live search. The overwhelming majority raised their hands for Google Inc, which Microsoft is seeking to challenge as an online advertising powerhouse.

After the tepid response for Yahoo's search, Ballmer said jokingly: "Wow! We offered 31 bucks a share."

Yahoo and Microsoft, which rank No. 2 and 3 in Web search respectively, are at a stand-off. Microsoft has said its $31 a share offer is fair, while Yahoo has said the cash-and-stock offer significantly undervalues the company.

©Reuters

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Jignesh Gadhia said on 4/22/2008 12:05:41 AM:
But the question is How many people use yahoo as an personal emailing service. We know google has best search engine but still there are many user using yahoo for emailing, personal emailing and messenging,chatting and voice. It is better than gmail. I agree with yahoo that bid is low.

to Jignesh Gadhia

Sukhen K Mitra said on 4/21/2008 6:01:26 AM:
If youve offered 31 bucks a share on such a joke, then who is stupid?

to Sukhen K Mitra