Microsoft Corporation acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, a transaction announced in May 2011, structured as all cash.
Skype operates in Communications, is based in Luxembourg. Microsoft agreed to acquire Skype, the internet voice and video communications service, for $8.5 billion in cash from an investor group led by Silver Lake. Skype then had about 170 million connected users and had carried over 207 billion minutes of voice and video calls in 2010. Skype became a new Microsoft business division, with CEO Tony Bates reporting to Steve Ballmer.
Broadens access to real-time voice and video communications and connects Skype with Xbox, Kinect, Windows Phone, Lync, Outlook and Xbox Live.
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.Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft
Advisory firms were not disclosed for this transaction.