MSNAfter using data from 3rd party vendors, MSN recently launched its own data base driven search engine. Owned by Microsoft, MSN is currently ranked #3 for search volume but has the ability to take over the #1 slot.
Microsoft knew dropping the bid would make the stock price drop considerably. They are hedging that shareholders will panic and either dump shares so Microsoft can pursue a hostile takeover (unlikely) of force a sale when Microsoft comes in with the next bid (likely).
The interesting thing to see is if Microsoft comes back with one of the last two bids they brought to the table or they come in with a lower offer.
Third party players are now buying out Yahoo. This billionaire named Icahn is buying up stock to kick out Yahoo board so he can control the negotiations. The game is now multi dimensional.
This will not be over until Microsoft gets what they want. It makes no sense from Yahoo's end not to accept the buyout, and Microsoft will simply not quit, because this is too important of an acquisition for them. This isn't over by a long shot.