Microsoft Reportedly Close to $7 Billion Deal to Acquire Skype
Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft Corp. is reportedly close to a deal to buy Skype for over $7 billion. If the deal goes through it would be one of the biggest acquisitions for Microsoft in its history.
Skype, which launched in 2003, now has over 660 million users worldwide. It is used to make voice calls and video calls over the Internet. It can also be used for group calls and messaging. Skype was purchased by eBay in 2005 for $2.6 billion, but the service did not mesh with eBay's site and service. Ebay ended up selling a 70% stake to Silver Lake Partners in 2009.
Update 5-10-11: The WSJ now reports that deal figure is closer to $8 billion.
Update 5-10-11: BoomTown is reporting Microsoft's acquisition of Skype is a "done deal" and will be officially announced tomorrow morning.
Bloomberg is 
