Yahoo picks up a video platform

In the midst of all of the discussion about Microsoft's aggressive takeover bid, internet giant Yahoo has now made headlines with its own takeover. Granted, the takeover of video service provider Maven only cost Yahoo $160m, far less than the billions that Redmond is offering for Yahoo. According to media reports, the takeover was completed back on 31st January; a few generally well informed IT gossip blogs in the US had already speculated about the takeover. The next day, Microsoft handed over a check worth $44bn.

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Maven is a platform for sharing online videos, and is compatible with a number of common formats. The company recently also presented an ad solution. Currently, a number of media firms use Maven's product, including Fox news, Sony BMG, CBS and the Financial Times. Yahoo plans to develop the platform further and believes that its own advertising expertise will provide new impetus for advertising revenue related to online videos.

Should Microsoft make a new offer or even attempt a hostile takeover, Redmond will have its work cut out for it when it tries to sort out all of the various lines of business at Yahoo, which has grown considerably in the past few years. Microsoft would then have to decide whether it wants Maven at all.

(jbe)