New Yahoo CEO interested in social networks, search

Yahoo Inc Chief Executive Carol Bartz said social network sites are a key area of interest for the Internet media company, even as it tries to figure out how to boost its Web search business.

Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, Bartz suggested Yahoo might seek to partner with social networking companies rather than build its own products in this area.

"I do not believe we can invent the next Facebook," Bartz said.

"It is very clear we have to do that," she said in response to a question about her thoughts on the tremendous growth of social networks like privately held Facebook and Twitter.

Bartz repeated her philosophy that every business in Yahoo is up for examination as the company seeks to revive growth and better compete with Google Inc.

While she opened the door to negotiations with Microsoft Corp about a search partnership, she stressed the importance of search data to Yahoo's advertising customers.

"So, regardless of whether we manage it or somebody else manages it, that's important," said Bartz in some of her most significant comments about Yahoo's strategy since she replaced co-founder Jerry Yang as CEO in January.

The comments come a week after Bartz unveiled a major management reorganisation. Investors are waiting to see if the new CEO can restart deal talks with Microsoft.