According to statements made today by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, the software company is not looking to bid to buy all of Yahoo but is in talks about other types of deals with the U.S. No. 2 search engine. "We are not bidding to buy Yahoo," Ballmer said at the launch of Microsoft's new research and development centre in Israel. "Yet, we are trying to have discussions about deals with Yahoo that might create value, but not a whole acquisition of the company."

Although Ballmer did not elaborate on his plans, a person familiar with the discussions says that Microsoft has now made an alternative offer, proposing to buy Yahoo's search business and take a minority stake in the Web firm. For its part, Yahoo has said it was considering a "number of value maximizing strategic alternatives" and would evaluate any proposal made by Microsoft.

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Yeh deal to Birbal ki khichdi ki tarah lambi jaa rahi hai.