September 11, 2009

Microsoft and Yahoo have been asked by the Justice Department for more information on a proposed Internet-search partnership, expanding the agency’s review of the deal.

The second request for information means regulators will do a more extensive examination of the deal, rather than approving it immediately. Microsoft predicted a longer review when the agreement was announced in July, Jack Evans, a spokesman, said. He and Yahoo confirmed the request on Thursday.

Under the agreement, Yahoo would use the Bing search engine from Microsoft on its Web sites, and Yahoo would sell ads next to the search results. The companies are trying to create a stronger competitor to Google.

Source:- http://www.nytimes.com