clipped from: www.reuters.com   

Microsoft to expand Facebook ad pact: source


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp will announce plans to expand its relationship with online social network Facebook to provide web search and search advertising, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.


The expanded deal follows Microsoft's decision not pursue a takeover of Yahoo Inc to bolster its online search and advertising business as it tries to compete with Internet leader Google Inc.


Microsoft bought a 1.6 percent stake in fast-growing Facebook for $240 million in October, beating out Google in the investment. At the time, it reached an exclusive deal to sell ads on Facebook outside of the United States.