Microsoft is already hiring lobbyists in order to speed up approval of a Yahoo acquisition, the lobby group in question has disclosed. Bryan Cave Strategies says it has been hired to aid and influence officials in the US government; this is despite the fact that Yahoo has not only refused Microsoft's efforts, it has actively sought out help in remaining independent, from companies such as Google, Time Warner and News Corporation. All Microsoft needs however is enough shareholder support in order to install a Microsoft-friendly board of directors.

According to the Associated Press, Yahoo has not revealed whether it has hired any outside consultants on Microsoft's bid. As another opponent of the merger however, Google has hired the Franklin Square Group, which is lobbying on "competition issues in the Internet industry." Google says it is otherwise unwilling to comment on lobbying efforts.