Google and others line up for Yahoo

WEB SEARCH GIANT Google has added its name to the list of potential buyers for Yahoo's remaining business.

The company joins other firms interested to buy Yahoo and gives the one-time internet portal a choice of cash rich suitors.

The Wall Street Journal cites sources close to discussions for its report that says that Google is chatting with private equity firms about a deal, but has not managed to put together a formal proposal. It adds that Google might not go ahead to offer a bid.

Chatter around Yahoo has increased in recent months and a number of other companies have been mentioned to buy the company. These include several private equity investors plus Alibaba, the firm's Chinese business partner, and Microsoft.

Yahoo's co-founder, Jerry Yang said last week that the company might not be for sale anyway.

"The intent going in is not to put ourselves up for sale," said Yang said at the All Things Digital Asia conference in Hong Kong. "The intent is to look at all options. There's plenty of options for the board, and plenty of options for our shareholders to realise value." µ