Microsoft will confirm later that it has agreed to buy internet phone service Skype, the BBC has learned.<\/strong><\/p>\nAccording to some reports, the deal could be worth as much as $8.5bn (\u00a35.2bn), which would make it Microsoft’s largest acquisition.<\/p>\n
Both Microsoft and Skype have declined to comment.<\/p>\n
Luxembourg-based Skype has 663 million global users. In August last year it announced plans for a share flotation, but this was subsequently put on hold.<\/p>\n
Internet auction house eBay bought Skype for $2.6bn in 2006, before selling 70% of it in 2009 for $2bn.<\/p>\n
Skype is now majority-owned by a group of investors, led by private equity firms Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz.<\/p>\n
Price concerns<\/span><\/p>\nAnalysts say Microsoft wants to buy Skype to improve its video conferencing services.<\/p>\n
Although the reported price tag of $8.5bn would not stretch the US giant, some experts have questioned whether it is planning to pay too much for a company that has struggled to turn a profit.<\/p>\n
Michael Clendenin, managing director of consulting firm RedTech Advisors, said: “If you consider [Skype] was just valued at about $2.5bn 18 months ago when a chunk was sold off, then $8.5bn seems generous.<\/p>\n
“[It] means Microsoft has a high wall to climb to prove to investors that Skype is a necessary linchpin for the company’s online and mobile strategy.”<\/p>\n
This view was echoed by Ben Woods, head of research group CCS Insight.<\/p>\n
“The big unanswered question is how do Skype assets work for Microsoft… how do you justify the price?” he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Originally posted here:
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