Google chief executive Eric Schmidt has spoken positively about the search engine's collaboration with rival firm Yahoo!.With speculation mounting concerning the detail of a possible Yahoo!-Google alliance under which Yahoo! would utilise its rival's AdSense for Search service, Mr Schmidt said it was "nice" doing business with the company.
Speaking during a conference call to analysts, he said: "It's nice to be working with Yahoo!. We like [it] very much."
However, the executive declined to answer a question concerning the chances of Google signing a long-term agreement with Yahoo!.
The two firms announced the possible deal last week in a bid to prevent Microsoft taking over Yahoo!.
Under the terms of the arrangement, Yahoo! began a limited test of Google's AdSense, which allows website owners to place Google search boxes on their pages.
When the deal was announced, Google spokesman Daniel Rubin stressed the deal was only a temporary arrangement for the time being.
He said: "This is only a limited test and does not necessarily mean that Yahoo! will join the AdSense programme."
The test is due to conclude next week.
Yahoo! has been seeking alternative partners to strengthen its position in its negotiations with Microsoft concerning the possible takeover.
The deadline for discussions has been set at April 26th, four days after Yahoo! is due to report its quarterly results.
