Asi es esto ya se sabia desde la noche anterior, pero Microsoft y Skype han borrado cualquier duda persistente en la materia: el gigante de software con sede en Redmond adquirirá la empresa de telefonía por Internet de $ 8500 millones frescos en efectivo y en monedas de a 10 centavos jeje (no es cierto).
Xbox y el soporte de Kinect se mencionan explícitamente en el anuncio de este acuerdo definitivo, como es la integración de Windows Phone - dos juegos y elementos móviles que presumiblemente fueron los principales incentivos para que Microsoft adquiriera Skype.
Es importante destacar que esta compra no debe afectar a Skypers fuera del ecosistema de Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, como el equipo promete continuar "para invertir y apoyar a los clientes de Skype en plataformas que no sean de Microsoft." Skype fue vendido primero por una ganga de $ 2.5B a eBay en 2005, quien a su vez vendió la mayor parte de ella fuera de Silver Lake en 2009 a una valoración global de $ 2.75b, y ahora Redmond concluirá los procedimientos de triplicar los precios anteriores y ofreciendo a Skype, un hogar permanente. Un nuevo Microsoft Skype Division ahora se abre para dar cabida a los recién llegados, con el actual consejero y delegado de Skype Tony Bates se convierte en presidente de esa operación y presenta informes directamente a Ballmer. El acuerdo se espera cerrar a finales de este año y se puede leer el anuncio completo Microskype después del brinco.
Microsoft to Acquire Skype
Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity.
REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: "MSFT") and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.
The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.
With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.
Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.
"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "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."
Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.
"Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.
"Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I'm looking forward to Skype's talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.
Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: "We are thrilled with Skype's transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype's long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms."
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. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake's leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.
Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.
About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.
Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.