Opera Buyout Rumors Unfounded

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CoolTechZone (http://www.cooltechzone.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2108) was reporting yesterday that Microsoft and Opera are in the final stages of reaching a buy out agreement, that would see the Redmond based software giant purchase the small Norwegian browser company. The report cites that "...the deal is almost through with Microsoft and Opera planning on locations for the browser’s research and development centers throughout the world."

In a statement released to ZDNetUK (http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/applications/0,39020384,39243639,00.htm) this morning an Opera representitive flat out denied the report and claimed that the Microsoft deal was just "not true". "We have not been bought, and we have not received any offers. It's just a rumour, like the Google rumour last week." Another representitive commenting on Slashdot earlier today stated: "If I was working for Microsoft I think I'd know it, but I'm still in Oslo, not Washington, still working for Opera."

View: Microsoft Buys Out Opera @ CoolTechZone (http://www.cooltechzone.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2108)
View: Opera denies Microsoft Takeover Rumours @ ZDNet (http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/applications/0,39020384,39243639,00.htm)

"Our phones have been ringing off the hook," said a spokesman for Opera. "But it's not true. We have not been bought, and we have not received any offers. It's just a rumour, like the Google rumour last week."
Source: Neowin (http://www.neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=31866)

[Kwitko]

Turns out Opera bought itself out:
http://blakeross.com/2005/12/23/opera-buys-opera/

OSLO, NORWAY– Amidst mounting speculation of an all-out bidding war between Microsoft, Google and the Korean bakery down on 3rd, Opera Software announced today that it inadvertently purchased itself in a $0 million recursive merger set to complete on Monday.

“I’m as surprised as everyone else,” said Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner. “I read the news on http://www.geocities.com/~MiltonsTechWorld192/index.html when I woke up this morning.”

“Buying Opera is very Web 2.0,” said Milton, who was studying for a social studies test and could only comment briefly. “It’s like tagging. More companies should try it.”

Analysts value the deal at 42 liters of hot air, the estimated net worth of the blogosphere’s journalistic abilities.

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That's great! ;D