Microsoft disbands the alternative Yahoo board — how long until the band gets back together?

May 8, 2008 | MG Siegler | Comments |

Microsoft is apparently serious about this whole “not buying Yahoo” thing. Today the software giant’s law firm sent out letters to each of the proxy board members it had lined up, releasing them from their obligation, according to The Wall Street Journal. The proxy board is the group of executives and industry leaders that Microsoft had lined up to nominate to replace Yahoo’s current board of directors had Microsoft decided to go hostile in its bid to takeover Yahoo.

What this means is that Microsoft will not be attempting a hostile takeover of Yahoo again anytime soon. This is a strong gesture to refute speculation by just about everyone since Microsoft pulled its bid five days ago that it could turn right back around with another offer — especially considering that many prominent Yahoo shareholders are said to want such a move, and with some potential new trouble brewing with Yahoo given the news that Google is wavering on a long term search advertising deal with the company.

Interestingly enough, The Wall Street Journal is also reporting that members of this proxy board have already been approached by some Yahoo shareholders, who themselves are thinking about nominating their own alternative board. They only have until May 15th to do so for the shareholder meeting which will take place in July.

While Microsoft is moving on for now, it’s probably still foolish to believe it is moving on for good. We’ll see how several factors, namely Yahoo’s financial situation and Microsoft Internet market share, play out over the next several months. At that point we may hear the talk start about getting the old band (the proxy board members) back together.

[photo: Universal Pictures]

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About the Author, MG Siegler

MG Siegler writes about technology trends and new media for VentureBeat, with a focus on mobile topics, social elements and key news stories. Before that, MG wrote about technology on his blog, ParisLemon. Originally from Ohio, MG attended the University of Michigan where he studied film. He's previously lived in Los Angeles where he worked in Hollywood and in San Diego where he did web development. He now lives in San Francisco.

  • PacificGatePost
    YAHOO’S SHAREHOLDERS LOSE ON MORE THAN ONE FRONT

    Great to see that cool heads have finally prevailed at Microsoft. Nevertheless, it was a seriously missed opportunity by Yahoo shareholders.

    http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/05/yah...

    They should have been more vocal. Now it's too late. Their board did not serve them well.
  • I think quite a few shareholders feel that way pacificgoat, perhaps they will be heard at the shareholders meeting