WebProNews

Board members key to takeover attempt

If Yahoo doesn't give Microsoft the answer it wants to hear for its takeover bid soon, Microsoft may act to put more amenable directors on Yahoo's board.

Why spend billions more to sweeten its offer to buy Yahoo, when Microsoft can spend a few million to accomplish the same goal?

The DealBook blog at the New York Times asked this question, and the answer seems to be, "why indeed?"

"Unless Yahoo quickly reverses course and enters into talks, Microsoft would then 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," said DealBook.

Judging by DealBook's assessment of how Yahoo's corporate bylaws make the company vulnerable to Microsoft's proxy strategy, one must applaud at how well-advised Steve Ballmer and company have been with the timing of their offer.

It doesn't look like a question of if Microsoft will pull off a Yahoo takeover, but when, unless Yahoo's shareholders decide Jerry Yang's vision for the company trumps Microsoft's offer. Jam tomorrow for Yahoo shareholders? They have heard that promise before.