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.
