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| Clermont Meridian Trading Reports on Microsoft $8.5 Billion Acquisition of Skype |
Microsoft finalized its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype Global, providing the software corporation a considerable footing in the booming industry for Internet communication services, according to Clermont Meridian Trading financial specialists.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement late last night, "Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world." "We're excited to collaborate with the Skype team to develop new methods for individuals to stay in touch with family, friends, clients, and co-workers at any time and from anywhere."
“Microsoft announced the acquisition of Skype back in May. The merger passed the final hurdle last week when European regulators approved it,” said Matthew Bird, Institutional Director of Equities at Clermont Meridian Trading.
Skype's voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services allow users to make free video and voice calls over the Internet; however, Skype charges a fee for "SkypeOut," which allows Skype users to dial regular phone numbers, and "SkypeIn," which enables users to dial a regular phone number that connects to a Skype account online. Both services are handy for avoiding high international calling charges while utilizing a standard phone line.
According to a Clermont Meridian Trading study, Skype had 65 million daily users in July. They spent a total of 700 million minutes every day on Skype audio calls, 300 million minutes on Skype video calls, and 30 million minutes on regular phone conversations.
Skype CEO Tony Bates is now president of Microsoft's Skype Division.
According to Microsoft, Skype goods will be integrated into Microsoft products, but they will remain available where they are now. Skype has apps for iOS and Android, which compete with Windows Phone and Mac OS and Linux, which compete with Windows. Under Microsoft's leadership, Bates expects Skype's growth to accelerate.
In a statement, Bates stated, "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's objective of reaching 1 billion users daily." Skype was founded in 2003 and purchased by eBay in 2005. In 2009, it was purchased by a consortium of investors led by Silver Lake Partners. Skype has a strategic partnership with Facebook, which could help both companies compete more effectively against rival online services like Google+ "hangouts," Yahoo Messenger, and Gmail Chat.