Microsoft Closes $8.5 Billion Skype Acquisition Deal

Welp, it's official. Microsoft and Skype are one. Well, Skype isn't alone in this world any longer, anyway. While this deal was announced months back, there has been plenty of work in the time being to ensure all the legalities were ironed out. Now, Microsoft has closed its acquisition of Skype, locking in an $8.5 billion payment that was led by investor group Silver Lake. According to the companies, Microsoft and Skype will remain focused on their shared goal of connecting all people across all devices and accelerating both companies' efforts to transform real-time communications for consumers and enterprise customers. The completion of the acquisition also marks the official introduction of Skype as a new business division within Microsoft.

Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Skype Division of Microsoft immediately, reporting directly to Ballmer. The Skype division will continue to offer its current products to millions of users globally. Longer term, Skype will also be integrated across an array of Microsoft products to broaden Skype's reach and accelerate its growth as a fundamental way people communicate online. Skype employees will continue to be located around the world in offices including Estonia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Tony's naturally a happy man. Have a listen at just how happy below.