Eric Schmidt

Icahn now main player in Microsoft-Yahoo drama

Tue, 20 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

The key man in the still unfolding Microsoft-Yahoo pas de deux is not Steve Ballmer, not Jerry Yang, or even Eric Schmidt. It's investor activist Carl Icahn. The New York Times notes that while he has proposed an all-new slate of directors, he really does not want to jump onto the board. What he wants is a deal--with Microsoft. As Microsoft-Yahoo Round 1 wound down, we made the point here that the possibility of a deal wasn't dead. We suggested that Microsoft may likely come riding back into the scene if Yahoo stumbled. Well Icahn and his merry band of fellow disgruntled shareholders have pushed the issue. Microsoft has come riding back, with a limited proposal to buy Yahoo's search business. You'd have to think there may be larger possibilities this time around.

For more:
- here's the New York Times article

Google spoiled the Microsoft-Yahoo deal

Tue, 06 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Steve Ballmer and Eric Schmidt have tangled before. Microsoft certainly got the best of Novell way back when. Now Schmidt may have had his revenge. The New York Times reports that Google played the role of spoiler to near-perfection, emerging a the clear winner in the merger-fest. The company offered Yahoo some more sophisticated ad technology, which emboldened Yahoo to holdout for a higher price. Yahoo may have no choice now but to seek a tighter embrace with its one-time foe. Microsoft may yet have the last word. If Yahoo can't get its stock price to reasonable levels--and some hedge funds are furious about what has transpired--the merger talk may heat up again. The best thing that might happen at some point would be for Microsoft and Google to throw off the gloves and bid directly for the company.

For more:
- here's the Times article
- here's the New York Post article on angry Yahoo shareholders

Quattrone lands a big client

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Frank Quattrone, who outlasted prosecutors and lived for a second act in the financial services industry, has landed a big-name client: Google. The New York Times reports that Quattrone is aiding Eric Schmidt, CEO of the search giant, as it formulates a strategy amid the Microsoft-Yahoo derby. Quattrone's new Qatalyst Group looks to be an instant power in the industry, and business will not be hard to find. Schmidt and Quattrone have a long history together. It increasingly appears that Google will be drawn into the battle, which is a gravy train for top bankers.

For more:
- here's the New York Times article

Get ready for Quattrone 2.0

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:59:58 -0400

Frank Quattrone spent four lonely years fighting the Justice Department, who really threw the book at him. But he prevailed after two trials; seven months ago a judge approved a request that all charges be dropped. The speculation since then has been heavy about what he'll do next. His answer: Qatalyst Group, an advisory and merchant banking outfit. It looks to be a blockbuster. His press release included quotes from, among others, Google CEO Eric Schmidt. No longer a pariah, he will not lack for business.

For more:
- here's the New York Times item

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