Court Documents: Microsoft Allocates $1.5 Billion For Yahoo Employee Retention


Court documents cited by the Wall Street Journal (also CNET) show that Microsoft has set aside $1.5 billion to retain Yahoo employees in the event of a successful takeover. This is apparently not tied to the generous “poison pill” severance packages that Yahoo put in place in the event of a Microsoft acquisition.

The statement was made by Microsoft attorneys in the context of a court hearing filed by pension funds invested in Yahoo. The suit alleges that Yahoo’s directors breaded their fiduciary duty in not responding “in good faith” to Microsoft’s offer.

Meanwhile, the speculation continues about what will happen with the larger Microsoft bid. We get yet another article in the Journal laying out the MicroHoo history and guessing about the potential coming scenarios. It would appear that unless Microsoft walks away, a proxy battle is the most likely.

Accordingly, TechCrunch says that it believes it knows eight out of the 12 potential new directors that Microsoft will likely nominate to shareholders. They include Ross Levinsohn, the former president of News Corp’s Fox Interactive Media. Here’s the current Yahoo board.

We’re all just waiting now for the other shoe to drop.



Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land, and writes a personal blog Screenwerk, examining the broader world of media and advertising. He also posts at a Local Mobile Search, which is focused on the mobile Internet.

See more articles by Greg Sterling >


Share, Bookmark & Discuss This Article
More:


Keep Updated: News Via Email | News Via RSS Feed | News Via Twitter


See more stories like this in the Members Library! Check out the Microsoft & Yahoo Search Deal sections of the Members Library where this story is filed. Members also get access to exclusive video content, a members-only weekly & monthly newsletter, plus more. Check out all the benefits!

Comments are closed.


RECENT COMMENTS

  • KevinSpence said " The AP & other news companies forget how much of their content is syndicated. So alright, maybe "
  • Avintrue said " So I would have to say that principle of pointing a finger with three pointing back at you is a good"
  • fonegigsblog said " Wow! Looks like Google will truly be the one stop shop for digital advertising in the next few years"

See All »


FREE DAILY SEARCH NEWS RECAP!

Stay on top of all the search news with our daily summary, the SearchCap newsletter. View a sample ›

STAY CURRENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY

RSS Feeds

The Search Engine Land feed keeps you informed as news happens. SEE ALL FEEDS »

Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences

Advertise With Us »

Search Engine Land produces SMX, the Search Marketing Expo conference series. SMX events deliver the most comprehensive educational and networking experiences - whether you're just starting in search marketing or you're a seasoned expert.


SMX Web Site » | SMX Difference » | SMX News »


Join us at an upcoming SMX event:

Search Marketing Now Learn more about search marketing with our free online webcasts and webinars from our sister site, Search Marketing Now. Upcoming online events include:


See more webcast topics »

TRACK US SOCIALLY
Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences

Get Your Search Engine Land
Premium Membership!

Become a premium member today and receive:

  • Express commenting privileges & photo.
  • Exclusive videos & newsletters.
  • Discounts to our SMX conferences.
  • Access to "How To" & Other Archives.

Learn More

Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences
Add to GoogleAdd to My Yahoo!Add to BloglinesAdd to NetvibesAdd to Windows Live