WSJ.com – Microsoft Shows Interest In Online Marketer Claria

Microsoft Shows Interest
In Online Marketer Claria

Microsoft Corp. has been in talks to buy online marketer Claria Corp., but concerns about public reaction to a deal could scuttle the negotiations, say people familiar with the situation.

The deal, if completed, would bring Microsoft Claria’s technology for delivering personalized advertisements and information to Web surfers. Microsoft would use the technology to try to increase Web advertising on its MSN online service and better compete with Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc., according to person familiar with the matter. The talks were first reported by The New York Times.