The Journal has the story: EBay Talks to Microsoft, Yahoo About a Common Foe: Google
From the piece, which requires paid subscription:
EBay Inc. is talking to both Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. to determine whether one of them might be a worthy ally against a common threat: Google Inc.
After years of working closely with the search giant, eBay last year became alarmed as Google started assaulting its turf in multiple ways. In one case, Google launched a classified-advertising service that competes directly with eBay’s online auctions and other listings.
This is driven, of course, by Base, but also by Talk and other apps. The Times has a report that is free, covering the Journal news.