Microsoft late Thursday was leaning toward going hostile in its pursuit of Yahoo, with an announcement likely on Friday, reports the WSJ. But people familiar with the matter cautioned that Microsoft could still change tack before announcing its decision. Price will be a key factor if Microsoft does go hostile; its original cash-and-stock offer made in January, was valued at $29.48 a share on the Nasdaq Thursday. In a hostile bid, Microsoft would have to come up with a price acceptable to shareholders holding the majority of Yahoo shares, though investors might ratchet down their demands in the face of a take-it-or-leave-it Microsoft offer.
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