Yahoo informed AuctionBytes Friday morning that the company has decided to close the Yahoo US and Canada Auctions sites. It said it will continue to operate its international auction businesses, including its auction properties in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Yahoo Auctions will no longer accept listings as of June 3, 2007, on the US and Canadian sites, which will close on June 16, 2007. The last day to bid or buy is June 16, 2007, and users will be able to access their accounts through October 29, 2007.

Listings will not auto re-submit after June 3, 2007, and as of May 4th, Auctions Scheduler and Auto Resubmit features will no longer be available.

Buyer Protection Plan claims must be submitted no later than 60 days after buyers have been declared the winning bidder for an auction.

Meanwhile, The New York Post said Friday that Microsoft has intensified its pursuit of a deal with Yahoo to acquire the company (http://tinyurl.com/263egj).