Microsoft Buys LinkedIn for $26.2bn cash

Fuente: www.financialexpress.com

Microsoft shares have led the early share fallers in New York trading, down by roughly 3.5% to 4.5% since it announced it was buying LinkedIn for $26bn.

Meanwhile LinkedIn's shares have surged by close to 50% on the news.

Microsoft said LinkedIn will “retain its distinct brand, culture and independence,” with Chief Executive Jeff Weiner remaining at the helm, reporting to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The deal, the largest acquisition ever for Microsoft, is expected to close within the year.

In an email to LinkedIn employees, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner explained why he decided to sell the company to Microsoft. Weiner mentions Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s leadership as a driving factor.

“The Microsoft that has evolved under Satya’s leadership is a more agile, innovative, open and purpose-driven company,” Weiner wrote. “It was the latter point that first had me thinking we could make this work, but it was his thoughts on how we’d do it that got me truly excited about the prospect.”

Why is Microsoft interested in LinkedIn?

LinkedIn provides Microsoft with immediate access to more than 433 million members and a solid social graph that, thanks to its professional nature, is matched closely with the software and services Microsoft provides.

"This combination will make it possible for new experiences such as a LinkedIn newsfeed that serves up articles based on the project you are working on and Office suggesting an expert to connect with via LinkedIn to help with a task you're trying to complete," says Nadella. As these experiences get more intelligent and delightful, the LinkedIn and Office 365 engagement will grow. And in turn, new opportunities will be created for monetization through individual and organization subscriptions and targeted advertising."

We can only hope that after this acquisition things will get better for LinkedIn.

Mili Ponce

Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info www.TheSMFGroup.com