`Yahoo, Microsoft close to deal'

NEW DELHI: Is Yahoo-Microsoft deal finally happening? Yes almost, says a report in All Things Digital. According to the news report, the two compa
nies are very close to entering a search and online advertising deal. The report adds that top Microsoft executives, including SVP of the Online Audience Business Group Yusuf Mehdi, search head Satya Nadella and top digital exec Qi Lu, and many others, have flown down to Silicon Valley from their Redmond, HQ to iron out the remaining issues. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer though not part of the entourage is also said to be involved in the talks. Though there are different versions of the deal, the report says that they all include Microsoft paying Yahoo several billion dollars upfront to take over its search advertising business and guarantee certain payments back. The deal is also reported to have a display advertising element which would likely have Yahoo take the lead in selling premium advertising for the companies. If all goes well, a deal could be announced within the next week itself, says the news report quoting sources at both the companies.