Internet search firm Google, recently valued at $15 billion dollars, have been approached by Microsoft.
It's believed Microsoft approached Google around two months ago, looking to either buy the firm outright or merge in some way, but they got turned away.
Google will probally now opt for the Initial Public Offering (IPO) route.
Chief Analyst at Bloor Research, Tony Lock said,
"There's a very neat, logical fit between the two organisations. Microsoft has spent the last three or four years promoting the functionality of its website to make it a portal on the world with Google-like capabilities. A deal between the two would extend its appeal beyond the Microsoft community. Google is the de facto point of reference for many people. It is amazingly successful. Any publicity it receives with an IPO looming is good publicity, but it will be fascinating to see what happens."
We here at I.T. Vibe believe Microsoft will pursue their offer again at a later date.