Rupert Murdoch, head of News Corp, says he may consider a deal
with Microsoft for a joint bid for Yahoo, just hours ahead of Yahoo's
quarterly financial report.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - News Corp's Rupert Murdoch left the door open
on Monday to a joint bid with Microsoft Corp to buy Yahoo Inc, a day
ahead of Yahoo's quarterly financial report.
In response to a reporter's question about his interest in pursuing
a bid with Microsoft for Yahoo, he said "Depends on the deal."
Murdoch also repeated earlier remarks about not having the financial
fire power to top Microsoft's bid. "I certainly can't afford to bid
against Microsoft (for Yahoo)," he told attendees at a speech he gave
at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs group.
The 77-year-old media mogul said Google is gaining influence in the
advertising world. "Is Google really going to get control of the
advertising world, and should Microsoft be supported in their attempt
to try and stop that?" he asked.
Yahoo is expected to report its first quarter results on Tuesday.
Strong results could force Microsoft to raise its estimated $43 billion
offer, some analysts have said.
Separately, sources have said Yahoo is pursuing a deal to merge with
Time Warner Inc's AOL Internet division. Yahoo is also set to complete
tests this week with Google Inc on whether Google should run a piece of
Yahoo's Web search ad sales.
Yahoo faces a Saturday deadline to respond to Microsoft, after which
Microsoft has said it would launch a proxy battle to unseat Yahoo's
board.
(Reporting by Peter Kaplan; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)
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