EU watchdog mum on Microsoft's Yahoo! bid

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: The European Union's top competition watchdog declined to comment on the news of Microsoft's $44.6 billion offer to buy Internet company Yahoo.

"We have no comment," said Jonathan Todd, a spokesman for EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, on Friday.

Microsoft said it believes the proposed combination would receive all necessary regulatory approvals.

European Commission clearance would probably be needed for a deal of this size.

Last year the Commission won a court battle against Microsoft that forced the software giant to comply with a landmark 2004 antitrust decision by the EU executive.

If Yahoo accepts the bid, the deal would come under scanner in the US as well as the European Union.

Yahoo had confirmed the Microsoft move, terming the proposal as 'unsolicited'. The company said that its Board will 'evaluate this proposal carefully and promptly in the context of Yahoo!'s strategic plans and pursue the best course of action to maximize long-term value for shareholders.’