Google has hired controversial investment banker Frank Quattrone, reports the New York Times DealBook blog . Or, more specifically, Google has contracted with Quattrone's firm the Qatalyst Group to provide consulting work. This, sources say, is a sign that Google has been actively involved in Yahoo's discussions with AOL about a potential merger between the two.

Now that Microsoft is reportedly talking with News Corp. about ways to sweeten Microsoft's bid for Yahoo, Google is not planning on standing idly by.

DealBook reports that Quattrone and Google CEO Eric Schmidt have been friends for years and Quattrone has a long history with Google. Quattrone is well known as the chair of the Tech Museum of Innovation based in San Jose, Calif. But he is also remembered as the former Credit Suisse banker who was charged with obstruction of justice while federal regulators investigated accusations that the investment banking IPO industry was crooked. Quattrone was cleared of all charges on April 30 and is back to work as a money man.

Will Yahoo fend off Microsoft? Vote your thoughts.

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