Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn
by Volker Weber
"It looks like you're trying to sign into LinkedIn. Have you upgraded to Windows 10 yet?" #spareus pic.twitter.com/f4485nbuxW
— The Register (@TheRegister) June 13, 2016
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) on Monday announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash.
Free Windows 10 upgrades for everyone.
Comments
I am really surprised at the value of LinkedIn.
26 Billion - sorry, I think someone made a mistake there.
Correct me if I'm wrong: approx. $6 / LinkedIn user
Zero missing, $60 / user.
I also seem to be unable to get it - even when taking into account that in the US LinkedIn seems to be a lot more popular.
Microsoft often pays a lot of money. Like they did with Skype and with Nokia.
LinkedIN has been big for my personal book of business. It's about data gathering, research, and quick connections. Combined with a tool such as RainKing, it's what makes interacting with prospects managable as a sales person. So I am a big fan. And yes, the endorsements part sucks. But most people I know ignore that keyword endorsement section.
I think this buy is more about the integration possibilities with Office365, and specifically, Dynamics CRM. As a user and a person who sells Dynamics CRM projects, that opportunity is huge!
Just as the weather company (not weather.com) aquistion by IBM caused some puzzlement, this is about access to data.
John, I agree.
Thanks, John. Volker, exactly. And we see how that went :-(
I am convinced it's all about the data (no internal insight, just my thoughts - and some others as well). Here are some interesting articles by folks who agree with me: https://trackchanges.postlight.com/9-things-microsoft-could-do-with-linkedin-2aec55c2bc72#.r9ocdrjqw and http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-microsoft-just-bought-linkedin-its-all-about-the-data/#ftag=RSSbaffb68
Congratulations to Jeff on a nice exit. I hope Microsoft do not make a mess of this like they did with Skype.
facebook for business (f4b) ...
Great Post, Amy. I also think about it as a pre-emptive strike. If Salesforce.com, or Google, or IBM bought it ...