Alibaba has hired Washington lobbying firm Duberstein Group Inc., likely in a sign the company is planning to make a serious move in regard to Yahoo.

The company is currently considering a number of acquisition options, including the possibility of a total purchase.

China's Alibaba Group hires US lobbying firm fuelling further speculation it is preparing a bid for internet giant Yahoo.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, China's biggest e-commerce company, may not find it easy to buy Yahoo ! Inc's assets after the largest US Web portal appointed a new chief executive officer, analysts said.

HONG KONG, CHINA: Alibaba Group has reduced the size of its debut loan to $3 billion, the funds which the Chinese e-commerce giant plans to use to buy back part of the 40 per cent stake held by Yahoo Inc, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

With Yahoo's new CEO at the helm, this could help potentially close a deal more quickly assuming that Yahoo's board and new CEO are still in favor of selling its stake in Alibaba and other Asian assets.

The Chinese company is considering a number of acquisition options for the Web pioneer, including the possibility of a total purchase.

China's Alibaba has retained DC lobbyists at the Duberstein Group, suggesting it's gearing up to make a takeover bid for Yahoo.

(Reuters) - China's Alibaba Group has hired Washington lobbying firm Duberstein Group Inc as it eyes a possible deal with Internet giant Yahoo Inc.

Alibaba has hired a Washington lobbying firm in a sign that the Chinese e-commerce company would be willing to make a bid for all of Yahoo! in the event that talks to unwind their Asian partnership fail....