Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said Monday it was the right time for the company to put out a bid for Yahoo Inc.

"The deal makes sense with the price and structure we announced. We hope it becomes reality," he told reporters at the annual CeBIT technology fair in Hanover. "There is a lot of merit for Microsoft and Yahoo, for Yahoo shareholders and for Microsoft shareholders, for advertisers and for consumers."

Analysts have debated whether Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft Corp.'s proposed $40 billion acquisition of Yahoo is worth it, given its two-year earnings slump.

Yahoo contends it is worth even more money given the reach and breadth of its sprawling Internet franchise.

Ballmer said his company's original offer is good, adding that "there is a range of dialogue" for both companies about the proposed takeover.