It has been two weeks since Microsoft withdrew its $47.5 billion offer to buy Yahoo! after not being able to reach an amicable deal. Over the weekend, however, the two companies reportedly were back at the bargaining table to discuss a different transaction.

Neither company provided much insight or detail. However, Yahoo! did issue a statement saying it was considering a "number of value-maximizing strategic alternatives."  Since then, media reports have speculated about numerous possibilities, including Microsoft  buying the search and search-advertising part of Yahoo!’s business, a potential partnership and outright acquisition.

Nevertheless, external pressure to find an agreement continues to increase as well. Late last week, activist investor Carl Icahn mounted a campaign to remove Yahoo!’s board and install his own slate of Yahoo! directors. He said the replacement was necessary after Yahoo! had acted “irrationally” in turning down Microsoft’s original bid.