MICROSOFT EYES GOOGLE MERGER

[The Doctor]

Q: Can you say "here we go again..."

MICROSOFT EYES GOOGLE MERGER

Microsoft reportedly approached Google within the past two months about the possibility of a merger. Google--the leader among search engines--generates significant ad revenues. Google, for the moment, appears to have rejected Microsoft's overture, focusing instead on its recently revealed intentions to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). Microsoft might still consider a merger after Google goes public, however, according to one source. Plans for Google's IPO remain undecided. Google's founders reportedly have considered an auction-style public offering, avoiding using financial institutions to underwrite the IPO. Many banks are continuing to bid for the IPO, however, believing that Google executives will ultimately opt for a traditional approach. New York Times, 31 October 2003 (registration req'd) http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/31/technology/31net.html