Microsoft toying with buying Facebook?
updated 01:45 pm EDT, Wed May 7, 2008
MS Toys with Facebook Buy
Microsoft has been exploring the possibility of buying out Facebook, journalist Kara Swisher claims. Her report cites sources who allege that Microsoft is delivering "subtle signals" to the social network via bankers to gauge if the company is interested in a takeover. No talks have been reported between the two, though some at the companies believe Facebook is likely to remain on its current track to becoming a publicly traded company rather than accepting a private deal.
The two companies are already connected through Microsoft's $240 million investment in Facebook, which lets the former sell some of its online advertising through Facebook's pages. A buyout would give Microsoft complete control over the site's advertising system and significantly increase the exposure of Microsoft's ads on the web, which would increase the company's odds of competing against Google after backing out of its Yahoo bid this weekend.
Microsoft has also been rumored to have a short list of other web-focused companies it may buy in an attempt to increase its advertising share, including Digg or Meebo.
jesus
05/07, 03:16pm reply
wtf aren't these crooks interested in buying....i mean taking over.
they have a horrendous OS they just launched, they need more things they can get there hands on to keep users stuck with using M$ c*** it seems.
Herod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
MICROSOFT LISTEN!
05/07, 03:27pm reply
FIX YOUR SOFTWARE FIRST BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO ANYTHING ELSE!
If they get control of facebook, I delete my profile. As simple as that.
Athens
Addicted to MacNN
Joined: Jan 2003
Write Management
05/07, 04:17pm reply
Time to let the people at Facebook know what we think of this. I for one will cancel my account there if Microshaft takes it over.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
that'd be great.
05/07, 10:43pm reply
i was just thinking the other day... all these Facebook "apps" should really all be individual Active-X controls/apps instead.
wouldn't that be awesome?
010111
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
c***
05/08, 12:29pm reply
MS will s**** up Facebook if they get control of it. I don't like MySpace much so I guess I'll have to start looking for another alternative. If MS screwed up their core competency (Windows), I don't want to be around for the general "Microsoftening" of a good site.
loudpedal
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 1999