Global operator strategies - 28/06/06

Microsoft could be interested in Yahoo to face with Google. The rumor, relaunched this week, could make sense, as Microsoft is struggling on the internet market while Google is dominating. Yahoo acquisition is seen as the way of excellence to get critical size.

Google will invest in France. It will open a R&D center to adapt its products to local conditions.

Telecom NZ is voluntarily splitting wholesale and retail operations.

TPG-Newbridge and Macquarie Bank are still fighting for a stake in PCCW (HK). But a third bidder consortium made of UK-based Ashmore Investment Management, Spinnaker Capital Group and Clearwater Capital could enter the race. China Netcom may agree to negotiate with bidders if they promise not to hold a controlling stake in the assets.

Vivendi (France) has been shortlisted with four other candidates by FT to buy Pages Jaunes directories.

Ebay says Skype has more than 100m registered users of its Skype Internet phone service.