Microsoft Corp., the world’s biggest software maker, revived the possibility of a deal with Yahoo! Inc. to challenge Google Inc. after failing to agree on a merger. Microsoft said yesterday it’s exploring an agreement with Yahoo that stops short of a full takeover. Redmond, Washington- based Microsoft didn’t elaborate on the proposal and said it “reserves the right” to... 

Yahoo faces a proxy fight for control of the company by a billionaire activist with a history of closing controversial corporate deals. Carl Icahn has announced he will file a slate of alternate directors to replace the present board when it gets together for its shareholder meeting on 3 July. Mr Icahn purchased 50 million shares in Yahoo after Microsoft walked away from talks in May to buy the net... 

Microsoft issued a three-week ultimatum Saturday for Yahoo to accept its 44.6-billion-dollar takeover offer or face a hostile battle for the support of the Internet giant’s shareholders. In an open letter to the Yahoo board of directors, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer accused the company of avoiding serious negotiations over its February 1 offer and warned that any further delays could...