In what appears to be an apparent move to shake off the “world’s number one brand”, Google, off its pedestal, Microsoft has just made a whopping $44.6 Billion offer to Yahoo.

Engadget, in its breaking news story, wrote that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that, “We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market.”

Balmer also adds; “Today, the market is increasingly dominated by one player who is consolidating its dominance through acquisition. Together, Microsoft and Yahoo! can offer a credible alternative for consumers, advertisers, and publishers.”

Isn’t it obvious who that “player” is? Cough-cough.

There has been rumors that the two giant companies have been talking about this since 2006. What remains to be seen is Yahoo’s formal disclosure about the said deal.

I’m sure Google’s army is getting ready for the “mother of all online battles”. Exciting!

Via Endgadget