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February 1, 2008 1:54 PM PST

Congress to examine Microsoft-Yahoo plans on Feb. 8

by Anne Broache

There's nothing like a proposed multibillion-dollar melding of two high-profile corporations to perk up politicos on Capitol Hill.

Just hours after Microsoft revealed its $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the chairmen of the U.S. House of Representatives' influential Judiciary Committee, said they're planning a hearing in the House Antitrust Task Force on February 8 to examine "whether this proposed consolidation works to further or undermine the fundamental principles of a competitive Internet." The task force is a subset of the Judiciary Committee. There's no word yet on who will end up testifying.

"Microsoft's bid to acquire Yahoo is certainly one of the largest technology mergers we've seen and presents important issues regarding the competitive landscape of the Internet," the two members said in a statement.

Over on the Senate side, Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.), who leads that chamber's antitrust panel, said on Friday that he also plans to hold hearings "should Yahoo accept Microsoft's offer."

The House committee has dubbed the hearing "The State of Competition on the Internet," suggesting it'll cover topics outside Microsoft-Yahoo territory, which perhaps is wise: After all, Yahoo hasn't even said "yes" yet.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register)
M$ Should fix own house
by Sniche February 1, 2008 3:09 PM PST
MS should fix there own house which is in disarray, this will create
a bigger monster of a problem taking yahoo on board, especially
with you know who at the helm.
Reply to this comment
yes, true that
by RompStar_420 February 1, 2008 3:59 PM PST
To pay 44.6 billion for yahoo is a stupid move. Microsoft earning are now 60% outside of US. I think that the economies outside of the US are more fragile than the US economy.

So when that slows down, and the US include is already at 40%, that would greatly affect Microsoft bottom line, investors will get fed up that the basics were never fixed and abandon MS all together.

Their stock will pay a heavy price and Bill Gates isn?t going to be as rich anymore.

I am thinking a range of $20 dollars a share or less in the next 3 years, unless they get their base which Microsoft is founded upon fixed.
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