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Microsoft May Pump up to $500M Into Facebook

Bidding war with Google could net even more

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2007 5:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – Facebook is in talks with Microsoft about a $300-500 million investment that could give the software company as much as a 5% ownership stake in the social networking site. The deal could boost Facebook's value over $10 billion, and help Microsoft challenge rival Google for Internet advertising cachet, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Google, which competes with Microsoft to serve online ads across a wide range of sites, is also pursuing an investment, setting the stage for a bidding war between the two tech giants which could net Facebook even more capital. Marketers see social networking sites claiming an increasing share of consumer time on the Internet, making access to them critical for owners of ad serving platforms.

Facebook.com founder Mark Zuckerberg smiles at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., in this Feb. 5, 2007, file photo. Facebook Inc. has avoided the acquisition frenzy that's gobbled up MySpace.com,... (Associated Press)

Facebook.com's mastermind, Mark Zuckerberg (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, FILE) (Associated Press)

Facebook.com founder Mark Zuckerberg (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) (Associated Press)

Facebook.com's mastermind, Mark Zuckerberg smiles at his office in Palo Alto, Calif., in this Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 file photo. The owners of a rival social networking Web site are trying to shut down... (Associated Press)

(Facebook.com)

Facebook.com's mastermind, Mark Zuckerberg (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, FILE) (Associated Press)

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Microsoft May Pump up to $500M Into Facebook

Bidding war with Google could net even more

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Defiant Syrians Changing Streetscape —Via Google

Streets renamed in honor of fallen revolutionaries via Map Maker

Google Gets Europe's OK to Buy Motorola

But regulators in EU, United States will monitor for antitrust

Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

Gizmos proliferate amid concerns on distracted driving

Angry Dad Shoots Daughter's Laptop

Tommy Jordan punished daughter for criticizing parents on Facebook

Google Creating Techie 'Entertainment Device'

Music gadget expected to mark start of new focus on hardware

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Microsoft May Pump up to $500M Into Facebook

Bidding war with Google could net even more

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Google • Microsoft • Facebook • Internet advertising

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More Newser Stories

Defiant Syrians Changing Streetscape —Via Google

Streets renamed in honor of fallen revolutionaries via Map Maker

Google Gets Europe's OK to Buy Motorola

But regulators in EU, United States will monitor for antitrust

Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

Gizmos proliferate amid concerns on distracted driving

Angry Dad Shoots Daughter's Laptop

Tommy Jordan punished daughter for criticizing parents on Facebook

Google Creating Techie 'Entertainment Device'

Music gadget expected to mark start of new focus on hardware

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