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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 is the vice president of Web & Digital Strategy for 1105's Converge360 Group, where she oversees the front-end Web team and deals with all aspects of digital projects at the company, including launching and running the group's popular virtual summit and Coffee talk series . She an experienced tech journalist (20 years), and before her current position, was the editorial director of the group's sites. A few years ago she gave a talk at a leading technical publishers conference about how changes in Web browser technology would impact online advertising for publishers. Follow her on twitter @beckynagel.

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