Microsoft is desperate to catch up with its competitors after sleeping at the switch. It was recently on the news that they went ahead and purchased Skype from eBay.
The Federal Trade Commission is letting software giant Microsoft Corp. proceed with its largest deal ever, an $8.5 billion bid for web chat and call service Skype.
The FTC announced Friday that it had finished its review of the buyout so it can proceed if the Department of Justice also approves. Both agencies must review any deal worth more than $65.2 million, according to the FTC’s website.
Microsoft already has a Skype-like service called Windows Live. But Skype lets users of different kinds of computers and phones chat directly. The deal could let Microsoft sell more digital advertising and offer more popular business conferencing tools.
Microsoft’s bid is more than three times Skype’s value 18 months ago when eBay Inc. sold a two-thirds stake to private equity firm Silver Lake.
Microsoft wants to spin again on top of a pin’s head with this mega-deal. I’m doubtful that much can be attained. Skype isn’t such a novelty these days. There are other applications just as good such as Google’s Talk or Yahoo’s Messenger. Let’s wait and see how Microsoft “stages a ballet on a tabletop” with its latest acquisition. Good Day.
