Microsoft Corp, the largest software company, has signed an agreement that lets it take a closer look at Yahoo! Inc.’s financial information to help it consider financing a bid.

Yahoo’s advisers asked that bids be submitted next week. Bidders are likely to offer to buy only a minority stake in Yahoo, as they haven’t arranged financing for a full takeover. It is possible Microsoft may help finance a bid and not try to buy Yahoo outright, two people said.