Microsoft mulling Salesforce buy - report

Would-be buyers circle Salesforce, according to sources

Microsoft is considering snapping up software firm Salesforce, according to reports citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Bloomberg reports that although Microsoft is not actively in talks with Salesforce, interest in the latter by another would-be buyer prompted Microsoft to pay attention and consider jumping in there first.

Salesforce is understood to be in talks with two investment banks in response to the interest, Bloomberg reported, adding that its sources insisted a deal was not imminent.

A year ago, Microsoft and Salesforce formed a strategic partnership in which the duo pledged to work together to create new products and connect their respective customers so they can be more productive.

Last autumn, the ties between the two became closer as they launched a flurry of other jointly created products.

At the time, Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said he was "pleased with the progress" the pair's teams have made together and added that he looks forward to proving how the strengthened partnership will prove to mutual customers that they can "do more from the cloud with their mobile devices".