The large-scale speculation over a possible Microsoft-Yahoo deal is about to die down, as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has flat-out stated that it’s not going to happen. Here are his words from Microsoft’s annual share holders meeting held today,

“We are done with all acquisition discussions with Yahoo. We did our best. We’ve moved on.”

After a deal falling apart previously (Yahoo wanted too much money), the resignation of Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang had rekindled the take-over rumors. Many assumed with a new face behind Yahoo, Microsoft would come back to the table. It appears that this is not the case.

Of course, it could just be a case of extreme hard-ball being played by Ballmer, but that appears unlikely at this point. Personally, I think the deal is finally dead and we can put it to rest.