Other noteworthy acquisitions include Yammer for $1.2 billion in 2012, Fast Search & Transfer for$1.2 billion in 2008, Visio for $1.375 billion in 2000 and Navision for $1.45 billion in 2002. Microsoft has a penchant for making the headlines for big bucks acquisitions and this time it is paying $196 per share via an all-cash transaction to buy professional network and recruiting site LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, wrote an email to employees on acquisition of LinkedIn in which he said: “This deal brings together the world’s leading professional cloud with the world’s leading professional network. The only other technology deals that had earlier grabbed attention was when Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion and HP bought Compaq for $18.6 billion. While LinkedIn will retain its brand name, culture and independence, CEO Jeff Weiner will report to Satya Nadella, CEO of Mircrosoft.

Source: Hindustan Times June 13, 2016 13:55 UTC