Ballmer: Still Interested in Yahoo’s Search Business
Microsoft’s decision to lay off 5,000 workers in light of dismal financial results has not changed one thing at the software giant: Steven Ballmer, the chief executive, would still like to get his hands on Yahoo’s search business. And whether he succeeds or not, he plans to continue investing in Internet search to take on Google.
Asked about a deal with Yahoo on search during a conference call with investors early Thursday, Mr. Ballmer said, "We would like to do one." And Mr. Ballmer sounded more optimistic about the possibility of coming to terms with Yahoo now that Carol Bartz, the former chief executive of Autodesk, replaced Jerry Yang as chief executive of Yahoo. "I know Carol Bartz well from the Autodesk days and am glad to see her at the helm of Yahoo," he said. Mr. Ballmer, who met last week with Roy Bostock, the Yahoo chairman, also said he had spoken with Ms. Bartz recently.
