Microsoft seeks to calm workers worried over Yahoo! proposal
23-02-2008
Microsoft has assured workers that the proposed purchase of rival Yahoo! will not threaten the company's existing employees.
Bill Gates' software giant is looking to acquire its rival in a move seen by analysts as a bid to become more competitive against Google. Yahoo! has already rejected a $45 billion (£23 billion) from the Windows manufacturer but Microsoft remains persistent.
Bloomberg reports that Microsoft's platforms and services division president Kevin Johnson wrote an email to employees assuring them that new roles would be created for them in a future set-up.
Speaking about a proposed tie-up with Yahoo!, he wrote: "We look forward to a constructive dialogue with Yahoo's board, management, shareholders and employees on the value of this combination."
The broadcaster also cites Johnson as saying: "People are the single most important asset in this combination.
"While some overlap is expected in any combination of this size, we should remember that Microsoft is a growth company that has hired over 20,000 people since 2005. We would look to place talented employees throughout the company,'' he added.
Yahoo! has previously said that the takeover offer did not take into account the firm's significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects.
The unsolicited bid of $31 (£16) per share was a 62 per cent premium to the trading price at the time.
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