First Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer wielded the stick — promising two and half weeks ago that if Yahoo's board failed to begin merger negotiations by this Saturday, he would take his $31 per share offer to buy Yahoo straight to its shareholders. Now comes the carrot. Ballmer has let sources make it known that he's likely to increase his offer if Yang and the board will agree to begin formal discussions, reports the New York Post. (Photo by DBegley)

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