NEW YORK - Microsoft Corp. has emerged as the front-runner in talks surrounding the potential sale of a stake in America Online.
Several issues could delay any potential transaction. The New York Times reports one issue is whether such an alliance would be another risky partnership for Time Warner Inc. The company is also looking at whether a new partner at AOL could help Time Warner navigate the digital world.
Microsoft approached AOL several months ago to discuss joint ventures, but any agreement is still likely weeks away.
Last week Time Warner's chairman and chief executive, Richard Parsons, acknowledged the talks. But he says the discussions are very fluid, and they don't know whether a deal will even be reached.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051107/ap_on_hi_te/aol_microsoft;_ylt=A0SOwlmJYW9DZHAAUAEjtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--
Several issues could delay any potential transaction. The New York Times reports one issue is whether such an alliance would be another risky partnership for Time Warner Inc. The company is also looking at whether a new partner at AOL could help Time Warner navigate the digital world.
Microsoft approached AOL several months ago to discuss joint ventures, but any agreement is still likely weeks away.
Last week Time Warner's chairman and chief executive, Richard Parsons, acknowledged the talks. But he says the discussions are very fluid, and they don't know whether a deal will even be reached.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051107/ap_on_hi_te/aol_microsoft;_ylt=A0SOwlmJYW9DZHAAUAEjtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--
