Microsoft to Yahoo Shareholders: Fire Jerry And We Might Bid Again*

UPDATE: Microsoft says this story is the result of a translation issue and that nothing has changed (i.e., per Microsoft, Kevin Johnson didn't say what Bloomberg is saying he said.)

EARLIER: A long game of press telephone is reporting that Microsoft honcho Kevin Johnson said Microsoft may consider making another bid for Yahoo if Yahoo's management changes. Translation: "Hey, Yahoo shareholders, Fire Jerry and the board at the shareholder meeting, and we might ease your pain."

Important to note that this is:

* Not a direct quote

* A Bloomberg write-up of a Financial Times Deutschland story

* Kevin Johnson comments may have been made in English and translated into German and back into English, leaving all kinds of room for interpretation. In the second paragraph of the Bloomberg write-up, for example (see below), Johnson is said to have said that Microsoft intends to be No. 1 in search. If he actually said this, he has not only significantly increased Microsoft's search ambitions, he's delusional.

We're requesting further info. But in the meantime...

By Andreas Hippin

June 23 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. may make a new bid
for Yahoo! Inc. if Yahoo's management changes, Financial Times
Deutschland reported, citing Kevin Johnson, head of the
software maker's Platform & Services unit.

Microsoft plans to strengthen its online advertising
business with smaller targeted acquisitions, the newspaper
quoted Johnson as saying. In the long run Microsoft wants to be
number one in search-engine advertising, FTD reported, citing
Johnson.

http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/5/microsoft_to_yahoo_shareholders_
fire_jerry_and_we_might_bid_again