Microsoft denies renewed interest in Yahoo

Steve Ballmer appears to have hinted that Microsoft may still be interested in Yahoo

Microsoft is scrambling to quell a new round of speculation after chief executive Steve Ballmer hinted that the company may still be interested in Yahoo.

The possibility of renewed talks between the companies began after Ballmer was quoted in a Bloomberg news report as saying that "perhaps there will be continuing opportunities" regarding an acquisition deal.

The report sparked a storm of rumours that a deal between the two companies may be back on. Speculation on the deal was cited as a main factor for Yahoo's 13 per cent jump in stock price on Thursday.

Microsoft's public relations department was quick to respond to the reports, however, sending out a statement through its press release channels.

"Our position has not changed," read the statement. "Microsoft has no interest in acquiring Yahoo. There are no discussions between the companies."

The comments have already brought back memories of the public acquisition saga between the two companies earlier this year.

The deal ended when Microsoft walked away from the table and its $33 per-share offer as Yahoo gave word of an advertising deal with Google which the company contended would eventually raise its value above that which Microsoft had offered.

In the aftermath of the deal, Yahoo was forced to fend off a shareholder revolt, and as the Google deal remains stalled over antitrust concerns, there is growing speculation that several key executives and board members, including chief executive Jerry Yang, may soon be forced to resign.