Microsoft is poised to offer the extra dollar a share that could provide the breakthrough for the software giant to finally land Yahoo, according to Silicon Valley sources this weekend. Earlier this month, Microsoft ran out of patience and withdrew a $33 per share bid, valuing the beleaguered global internet search engine at $45bn.
Microsoft has been mulling over a "halfway-house" move to buy Yahoo"s search-advertising business, which analysts value at between $11bn and $21bn.
But former Merrill Lynch senior analyst and Silicon Valley insider Henry Blodget claims Yahoo is prepared to do a full-company deal if the price is right – especially as its board becomes more anxious about negative shareholder reaction.
"Full acquisition at $34 is getting more likely all the time," he said.