Microsoft Officially Closed Skype Acquisition
Today Microsoft announced it has officially closed its acquisition of Skype. the transaction was originally announced on May 10, 2011 for $8.5 Billion. Skype has become a new business division within Microsoft.
“Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues — anytime, anywhere.”
Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Skype Division of Microsoft immediately, reporting directly to Ballmer.
While the new division will continue to offer Skype current products to existing users globally. Longer term, Microsoft announces that Skype will also be integrated across an array of the Redmond software giant products.
“By bringing together the best of Microsoft and the best of Skype, we are committed to empowering consumers and businesses around the globe to connect in new ways,” Bates said. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s goal to reach 1 billion users daily,” Bates said.
Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress, developing new products and revenue streams, strategic acquisitions, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.
[Source Microsoft]
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