Breaking News: Microsoft To Acquire LinkedIn For $26.2 Billion In Cash
Yes, this is Microsoft's largest acquisition in its history. So now Microsoft is all set to buy LinkedIn for $26.2 bn in cash. Microsoft is looking for numerous opportunities with this mega professional deal and it will open up new horizons for Microsoft Office Suite as well.
“It’s really the coming together of the professional cloud and the professional network,” Mr. Nadella discussed in an interview. So there is no doubt that they are looking forward to uplift their cloud services to touch newer heights and reach another level.
Nadella said today’s work is split between tools workers use to get their jobs done, such as Microsoft’s Office programs, and professional networks that connect workers. This deal helps both the brands to weave in the dominating industry.
Microsoft CEO also said he has always admired LinkedIn: "I have been thinking about this for a long time." The deal was "key to our bold ambition to reinvent productivity and business processes", he added.
Microsoft also eyes on Lynda.com, a platform for video trainings which LinkedIn bought for about $1.5 billion in 2015. With the help of that, Microsoft can offer Lynda’s videos in its own spreadsheet software, Microsoft Excel.
And for LinkedIn, it is an incredible opportunity according to LinkedIn Chairman Mr. Reid Hoffman. He said, "Today is a re-founding moment for LinkedIn and I see an incredible opportunity for our members and customers and look forward to supporting this new and combined business."
With this announcement, LinkedIn shares jumped 47% on the Friday closing i.e. $61.50 to $192.60. That's incredible stock plunge we have even seen.