Anti-Trust Regulators Scrutinize Microsoft-Yahoo Deal

The US anti-trust regulatory board is taking a closer look into the search engine deal between software giant Microsoft Corp and Internet Company Yahoo Inc after the Justice Department asked for additional information regarding the 10-year agreement.

Reports on Thursday also said that the two companies were now talking with the official of the European Union over the said deal. However, the report did not clarify whether Yahoo or Microsoft will need the approval of the countries belonging to the EU for the said merger.

A source from the anti-trust board said that the overview of the entire deal between the two companies is needed to ensure that no other business will be handicapped over its establishment.

The Search Engine deal was created to allow both Microsoft and Yahoo to compete head-on against the dominant Google Inc., which is the current search-market leader.

Microsoft Spokesperson Jack Evans said in a statement that they have anticipated the review by the US and EU commission, which will be focused on geographic. “We hope the deal will be finally put into implementation by the start of next year,” he said.

The spokesperson also revealed that it is now finalizing plans to seek the approval of other countries such as Bazil, Taiwan, and Korea.

If implemented, the merger would give the two giants more than 30 percent of the search engine market, which is needed to attract advertisers.