Monster Worldwide (NDAQ:MNST) held its gains from a 10% jump last week amid continued buyout speculation. Many journalists and analysts have suggested that the company could be a buyout target for Google, Gannett, Yahoo, or eBay within the next six months. The commonly quoted buyout prices range from the mid-50s to low-60's per share.

The rumors are backed up by strong call option purchases last week combined with an alleged leak of confidential information from a prospective bidder, which reportedly caused the runup. Monster has also been considered an acquisition target for several years as it posted impressive growth numbers with over $1 billion in revenues.

The best suitor is widely considered to be Gannett, who could combine the company with its own CareerBuilder to further solidify its lead in the market. Given the declining margins and reduced subscriptions in the newspaper business, the acquisition would also be a welcome boost to revenues and growth figures.

Meanwhile, Yahoo may be looking for ways to improve upon its revenues, which may slow to below 10% this year. The internet portal already has an impressive online jobs franchise and could quickly become the largest player by purchasing Monster. Despite the large purchase price, Monster's $1 billion in revenues and impressive growth numbers would be a welcome addition for increasingly-discontented Yahoo shareholders.

Of course, nobody can discount Google from the equation as it continues to attempt to diversify its revenues away from purely online search revenues. While the company has no direct synergies, it may be looking to enter the market and is perhaps the best capitalized company to make such a large acquisition.

Currently any Monster acquisition is nothing more than a rumor. However, there is clearly an interest in the company from several large tech players. MNST is definitely a stock to watch in the next year as the situation plays out.

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