Microsoft Reportedly Meets With Yahoo Bidders

(RTTNews) - Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) met with possible bidders for Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) such as Verizon Communications Inc. and private equity firms, who may seek backing from the software maker for their offers, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter.

The meetings were reportedly initiated by the bidders, and Microsoft has not committed any funding. Additionally the company is unlikely to provide anything more than a token investment to anyone.

Yahoo Last month said it hired financial advisers and told independent board members to explore its strategic options.

Companies such as Verizon, Comcast Corp. and AT&T Inc. are among those interested in acquiring Yahoo's core business, while Bain Capital Partners, KKR & Co. and TPG Capital are among the buyout firms that have shown interest, the reports noted

Microsoft, which has a search partnership with Yahoo, told bidders it is eager to continue working with the company whoever owns it.