Despite reports that Scripps is not actively peddling Shopzilla, my sources shared that MSN is still in talks with Scripps to buy Shopzilla. MSN is looking to expand its reach in the retail space and sees this channel and to be a leading player and limit Google Product Search market share.  The discussed price is in the $450 million to 600 million range.

MSN is in preliminary discussions with Scripps to purchase Shopzilla, according to a source at MSN associated with the talks. It’s no secret that Scripps is looking to sell Shopzilla, and that they are hoping to recoup the $525 million that they paid for it in 2005.  Initial talks have the proposed sales price significantly below the 500-600 million asking price.  

MSN is said to want to expand its shopping reach to better compete with Google Product Search and Yahoo Shopping.