Microsoft has officially announced that it has completed it’s deal to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion, a deal that was announced back in May 2011.
Microsoft said that Skype will become a new business unit at Microsoft that will be headed by Tony Bates, currently the CEO of Skype. Bates will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, said the company statement.
Skype will keep offering it’s complete line of products to millions of customers, however, in the long-term Microsoft is planning to integrate Skype with several other products to further penetrate the internet calling solution.
“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.”, said Ballmer in the statement.
“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 in a statement. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s goal to reach 1 billion users daily.”
Skype was previously sold to eBay for $2.6 billion in 2005 then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Company was planning an IPO but before that Microsoft put forward a lucrative deal which Skype couldn’t reject.
Microsoft also released following infographic, detailing the usage of Skype.
Skype is awasome :)
wouldn’t it be better to launch something like skype.
that would be more cheap and bring a competitive environment as well
I wonder what this means for Skype on android and Skype on linux. Will they kill the projects?
That won’t be a sober move and will give more room to its competitors. Anyways, its always hard to predict the next move of these companies but if they are sane they shouldn’t do it.
I just wonder if Pakistanis also know about OOVOO. It allows group video chats as well.
Fring, Google Talk, Google+ Hangouts, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Tango, Qik and so many more…. Oh Viber. Which one of these is a household name for communication? Skype & that attracts. Because when there was no one, there was Skype.
Bro Yahoo, Nd Windows Live messenger was offering vedio calling b4 skype .
Skype took an edge on Video Calling Quality .
Skype is shit………..Google Plus Hangout rocks !!
witch low cast mobile that can run skype ?
Assalam U Alaikum
Amazing Deal
Microsoft Rocks
“Closes”
I thought they have shut down the deal :D
I am using skype on 6120c as well… Skype is good…
Skype made us closer to loved one .