Microsoft all set to acquire LinkedIn for about $26.2 Billion

Redmond based Microsoft is acquiring LinkedIn. Microsoft Corp. and LinkedIn Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement where Microsoft will pay US$ 196 / share in all cash transaction, making its value at US$ 26.2 billion (inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash).

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both the companies. The deal is subject to approval by LinkedIn share holders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Microsoft is expected to close the deal by the end of 2016.

Why is Microsoft beefing up for LinkedIn? let me tell you. The latter is the world’s largest and most valuable professional network. It has also acquired a leading online learning platform called Lynda.com and has already rolled out new versions of its Recruiter products to its enterprise customers. To add butter, LinkedIn has achieved 19% growth year over year (YOY), boasting 433 million members globally. It has 9% growth YOY in terms of unique visitors, making the figure at 105 million / month. Other figures  include 49% growth YOY in mobile usage, boasts about 45 billion quarterly member page views and 7 million active job listings.

Microsoft will finance the transaction primarily through the issuance of new indebtedness. It expects the acquisition to have minimal dilution of ~1% to non-GAAP earnings per share for the remaining fiscal year of 2017 post closing and for fiscal year 2018 based on the expected closing date.

Satya Nadella commented –

The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world’s professionals, Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organization on the planet.