WebProNews

First off: yes, at this point, we're all ready to slap Steve Ballmer and Carol Bartz with a fish every time they talk about a partnership or acquisition.  Just the same, millions of dollars are at stake, so it seems important to acknowledge that Ballmer's once again said he's open to a deal. 

Or to repeat Ballmer's remarks verbatim, the CEO said according to Reuters, "We remain open to a partnership with Yahoo."  And when asked if something might be arranged within the next year, he replied, "Who knows?"

So there you have it.

While speaking at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, Ballmer also made some interesting remarks about the economic downturn we've been experiencing, though.  "I don't think we're in a recession," he stated.  "I don't assume there is a recovery.  I think we reset to a lower level and the world economy will grow again from this reset level."

Those comments are a bit scary, considering that Ballmer's in charge of a company with a market cap of $208.9 billion.  Let's hope he's off the mark - perhaps just grumpy due to the not-yet-realized Yahoo partnership.