Microsoft: Transition process following deal with Yahoo to begin ‘soon’

The transition period between Microsoft and Yahoo will begin in the coming days, as the US Department of Justice and the European Commission have given the project the go ahead signal, while Google has welcomed competition that will keep everyone on their toes.

The transition phase is expected to be completed globall by early 2012.

“Implementation of the deal is expected to begin in the coming days and will involve transitioning Yahoo’s algorithmic and paid search platforms to Microsoft, with Yahoo becoming the exclusive relationship sales force for both companies’ premium search advertisers globally,” reads a statement released by the company.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said: “Although we are just at the beginning of this process, we have reached an exciting milestone.

“I believe that together, Microsoft and Yahoo will promote more choice, better value and greater innovation to our customers as well as to advertisers and publishers.”

It is believed that the operating system giants did not pay Yahoo for the deal, but have instead given them an 88 per cent share of the profits from the venture.