Skype Officially Belongs to Microsoft

10-15-2011

Microsoft announced that its acquisition of Skype, which was first announced five months ago, has been finalized. Microsoft revealed plans to purchase Skype way back in May of this year. At the time, the two companies said they hoped to obtain all the required regulatory clearances before the end of this calendar year, and it looks like they got their wish.

In a press release sent out Friday morning, Microsoft confirmed that it had closed the deal, and revealed that Skype CEO Tony Bates will now report directly to Steve Ballmer in his new role as president of the new Skype Division of Microsoft. Skype employees will continue to be located around the world in offices including Estonia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.