Microsoft, Yahoo talking to EU about proceeding on deal

Representatives from Microsoft and Yahoo have filed paperwork for regulatory clearance in the U.S. for their proposed search deal but it remains unclear how to proceed in Europe, a Microsoft spokesman said on Wednesday.

The issue that remains in Europe is “determining whether or not the deal requires formal notice before the (European) Commission and if not, do we need to file notice” in individual countries that might have an interest in reviewing the deal, said Microsoft spokesman Jack Evans.

These jurisdictional issues are being discussed in ongoing talks Microsoft and Yahoo have been having with EC officials that were the subject of a Reuters report, according to Evans.

“We have had informal discussions in Europe about the agreement just as we indicated we would when the deal was announced,” he said.

Yahoo representatives familiar with the matter did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

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