Skype Sold To Microsoft For $8.5 Billion
Skype has been sold to Microsoft for $8.5 billion it has been confirmed today, subject to regulatory approvals.
Skype was started in 2003 and had a high profile acquisition in 2005 by the high flying eBay group. It had a slightly less well known takeover by an investment group in 2009.
“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”
Skype’s CEO Tony Bates said that “Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers. Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate.”
It looks like the deal will allow Skype to grow it’s customer base via Microsoft’s software and hardware products and Microsoft will get new and tested functionality for it’s services such as Xbox Live.
Microsoft have stated that they will continue to invest and support Skype on non-Microsoft platforms and devices.
