• by Paul Gough , October 31, 2003

As Google prepares for its initial public offering sometime early next year, it apparently doesn't have to convince Microsoft Corp. of its long-term value.

Microsoft approached the Internet search company two months ago for a partnership or merger, according to an article in today's New York Times. Apparently Microsoft, which had been accused of not taking advantage of the Internet in the medium's early days, doesn't want to make the same mistake again when it comes to paid search.

The Times said that Google's preference is to go ahead with its IPO plans, although the newspaper said the discussions have continued. Microsoft may have to settle with a "we might want to talk to you later" from the five-year old company.

Meanwhile, plans progress for Google's plans to take Wall Street by storm. An IPO, which would offer about a 15 percent stake, might fetch as much as $25 billion. Or Google could market the shares directly to investors.

Paid search is no doubt one of the hottest topics in the interactive space these days, with Google on top. But Yahoo! is coming on strong following its acquisition of Overture.

-- Paul J. Gough