India Behind The Lens (News Centre)

Software giant Microsoft has closed its acquisition of Skype Global. Microsoft would acquire Skype, an Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion. Boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype have approved the acquisition. Both will remain focused on their shared goal of connecting all people across all devices and accelerating both companies’ efforts to transform real-time communications for consumers and enterprise customers. This acquisition also officially introduces Skype as a new business division within Microsoft.

Skype CEO Tony Bates will be the president of the Skype Division of Microsoft reporting directly to Ballmer.  Skype will also be integrated across an array of Microsoft products to broaden its reach and accelerate its growth as a fundamental way people communicate online.  Skype employees will continue to be located around the world. “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.

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.  Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said “Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world. 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.”