CoolTechZone is reporting today that Microsoft and Opera are in the final stages of reaching an agreement, that would see the Redmond based software giant purchase the small Norwegian browser company. The report cites that "...the deal is almost through with Microsoft and Opera
planning on locations for the browser"s research and development
centers throughout the world."
In a statement released to ZDNet UK this morning an Opera representitive flat out denied the report and claimed that the Microsoft deal was just "not true". "We have not been bought, and we have not
received any offers. It"s just a rumour, like the Google rumour last
week." Another representitive commenting on Slashdot earlier today stated: "If I was working for Microsoft I think I"d know it, but I"m still in Oslo, not Washington, still working for Opera."
Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner echoed the official statements adding "Just for the record: We are NOT about to sell out to MS."
A merger of any sorts between Microsoft and Opera would put immense pressure on the open-source Firefox browser to maintain its browser market share.