NEW YORK (Reuters) - With Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) taking a dominant lead in the Internet search market, it looks increasingly likely that Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) could make a large acquisition, such as of Yahoo Inc. (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Merrill Lynch said on Friday.
A move by Microsoft to acquire Yahoo would speed up the software giant's efforts to build its search business, boost its Asian presence and eliminate a rival, according to the report.
The report, written by Merrill Lynch analyst Justin Post, comes at a critical period for Microsoft. The company, whose Windows operating system runs an estimated 90 percent of the world's personal computers, is struggling to find sources of growth beyond its traditional business.
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