Andreessen, others reportedly interested in Yahoo
Will Yahoo--which blew a Microsoft bid a few years ago--take an offer this time around? Several parties are said to be interested in acquiring all or part of the troubled media company.
Looks like someone may actually still want to buy Yahoo.
Several parties, including Marc Andreessen's venture capital firm, have been in touch with Yahoo to discuss acquiring all or part of the troubled media company, according to a report by All Things Digital today.
Andreessen Horowitz is working with Silver Lake on a deal that might include Russia's DST and Yahoo's partner in Japan, Masa Son, Kara Swisher writes in her post, which cites unnamed sources inside and outside Yahoo.
"Sources familiar with the situation said the pair (Andreessen and Ben Horowitz) have become increasingly intrigued by the situation at Yahoo and believe that its assets and brand are still strong, despite its management turmoil in recent years," the post says.
Another potential bidder is Peter Chernin, form president of News Corp., who is working with Providence Equity Partners. Also, Yahoo's Chinese partner, Alibaba Group, might consider a merger, while Microsoft is being considered as a partner by some potential bidders, according to the report.
Yahoo famously blew a good deal when Microsoft offered $44.6 billion in cash and stock to purchase the troubled media company in 2008. The board has been under pressure since firing Chief Executive Carol Bartz last week in what critics say was a too-little, too-late move in light of the company's stagnant stock price, high employee attrition rate, and withering product development efforts.
Will the board blow a buyout this time around?
Executives have been "receptive to the interest and its Chairman Roy Bostock and Co-founder Jerry Yang have spoken to several," Swisher writes.