Microsoft to announce Yahoo! move "in very short order"

2nd May 2008

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, wants to reach a decision on the company's potential purchase of Yahoo! soon.

The boss of the world's largest software firm told employees at a meeting this week that the company had three options - a hostile acquisition, a friendly takeover or leaving the deal altogether.

According to AFP, Mr Ballmer said that Microsoft's chosen route would have to be announced "in very short order".

He also asserted that his company would not raise its offer for the pioneering search company, founded in 1994.

"I know exactly what I think Yahoo! is worth and I won't go a dime above," Mr Ballmer told employees.

The software giant initially set a deadline of last weekend for Yahoo! to reply to its $44.6 billion (£22.6 billion) offer.

Since the deadline passed without comment from either party, reports have speculated that Microsoft was considering raising its bid.