engine - 3:25 pm on May 1, 2007 (gmt 0)

Microsoft Corp. the world's largest software maker, is a contender to buy Internet advertising firm 24/7 Real Media Inc. for as much as $1 billion, the New York Post reported on Tuesday. Shares in 24/7 Real Media surged more than 28 percent in premarket trading to $12.75 from a close of $9.95 on Monday following the Post report, which cited unnamed sources.

Microsoft eyes Web ad firm 24/7 Real Media: report
[uk.reuters.com]