Steve Ballmer and Carl Icahn suddenly are on a first-name basis, and their familiarity has resulted in another twist in the Microsoft-Yahoo saga.
Microsoft Corp. said Monday that it would be interested in trying again to acquire part or all of Yahoo if Icahn succeeds in his attempt to replace the Internet company's board. The statement — Microsoft's first public expression of support for Icahn's move — came shortly after the activist/investor informed Yahoo shareholders in an open letter that he has spoken "frequently" with Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, in the past week.
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