October launch for Google/Yahoo cooperation

Eric Schmidt, CEO of the US Internet search engine provider Google, is banking on approval of his plans to collaborate with competitor Yahoo starting in October. According to an interview conducted with Bloomberg TV in Denver, Colorado, Google representatives are negotiating with the US government, which is looking into the two firms' plans to work together in the field of online advertising in light of possible antitrust violations. Schmidt says he still has not received any indication of what the antitrust authorities may decide.

Google and Yahoo announced in mid-June that they would enter into an advertising partnership for four years after a trial period. Yahoo wanted to present this option to shareholders as an acceptable alternative to Microsoft's takeover bid. Schmidt told Bloomberg that his company has made its case to the US government. He did not, however, say what his firm would do if the authorities do not approve collaboration with Yahoo.

Schmidt conducted the interview at the Democratic Convention in Denver. He acts as an adviser for energy and IT policy to Barack Obama, who is now the official Democratic nominee. Schmidt did not tell Bloomberg whether he was going to vote for the Democrat or for John McCain, who in all likelihood will be nominated at the Republican Convention next week.

(trk)