<p>In the wake of <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080707-101635">Carl Icahn's declaration that Microsoft would buy a Yahoo run be a different board</a> (and Microsoft's affirmation of the claim), Google CEO Eric Schmidt hasn't changed <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080612-121518">his position on what should happen with Yahoo</a>. Speaking to <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN1018990120080711?rpc=44&pageNumber=1&virtualB randChannel=0">reporters</a> in Idaho yesterday, he reiterated that he believes an Independent Yahoo is best for the industry.</p>

<p>Schmidt called Microsoft's bid for Yahoo "anti-competitive," something <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080203-171831">Google has been saying from the beginning</a>. He also said that the Redmond-based software giant has a history of being anti-competitive, and that's evidence enough of their intentions with acquiring Yahoo.</p>

<p>Of course, Google is facing its own anti-competitive issues with its recently announced <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080612-183815">search advertising deal with Yahoo</a>. Despite the partnership being non-exclusive, the <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/080702-100420">Justice Department formally opened their antitrust investigation</a> into the matter earlier this month.</p>

<p>Still, it's no doubt that the search ad deal fuels Schmidt's desire for Yahoo to remain independent. That and a Microhoo would mean a stronger second place competitor in the search ad marketplace. Though, most would agree that second place is definitely first loser in a Google-dominated search industry.</p><div class="feedflare">
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