Microsoft’s bankers have approached Facebook about a purchase of social networking site as an alternative for its failed takeover bid for Yahoo, Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
The Journal reported that Microsoft’s representatives “recently contacted Facebook” but there were no active discussions between the two. Facebook, founded in 2004 by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, has become one of the hottest properties on the internet because of its rapid growth and the loyalty of its users. Facebook has more than 70 million active users.
The move would be consistent with numerous comments by Microsoft executives since the collapse of the Yahoo talks that the company was now pursuing alternative strategies.
Facebook spokeswoman Brandee Barker declined to comment on the report. Microsoft officials were not available for comment.
