Based on the rumors (and partially supported by Firefox with Bing), both Microsoft and Yahoo were actively bidding against Google (for the ad revenue, presumabl

Based on the rumors (and partially supported by Firefox with Bing), both Microsoft and Yahoo were actively bidding against Google (for the ad revenue, presumably). Microsoft also probably has some interest in supporting Firefox for "browser strategic" reasons (pushing back against WebKit/Blink on mobile, a partner other than Google or Apple for work with on new web standards, etc.). I find it harder to imagine Apple being interested, but perhaps that would change if Blink starts eclipsing WebKit or if they want to push iAds more. More generally, though, the point I'm making is that (almost?) all potential alternative sponsors have extensive US ties and/or interests...