Gates, who cofounded the software maker and serves as its chairman, said Microsoft had "put a lot of effort into talking to Yahoo."
Referencing comments made by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Gates said that "now at this point, Microsoft is focused on its independent strategy."
Microsoft spent three months courting Yahoo but dropped its pursuit on Saturday after the two sides failed to reach agreement on a takeover price. Microsoft had initially offered $31 per share and raised it to $33 per share to try and entice Yahoo but the search engine operator held out for $37 per share.
Microsoft not interested in other partnerships
Posted on Saturday, May 10 2008 @ 14:13 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck