Microsoft will buy LinkedIn to $ 26.2 billion – Le Figaro

The IT group announced the acquisition Monday. This is one of the most expensive purchases of the history of technology.

Microsoft provides the means to increase its offer to for professionals. On Monday, the IT group has announced the acquisition of LinkedIn, the US professional social network. The transaction, announced on the official website of the US group, amounts to more than $ 26.2 billion. It must be concluded before the end of the year. “The LinkedIn team has built a strong company that can bring together professionals from around the world,” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, in a statement. “Together, we can accelerate this growth.” He said that LinkedIn will remain an independent brand managed by CEO Jeff Weiner.

Established in 2003, LinkedIn is a social network dedicated to job searching and building a professional network. It now boasts more than 433 million members worldwide, including 11 million in France. More than 105 million monthly connect to the website or application. Over the years, the site has expanded its offering. LinkedIn can be used today to send private messages or post blog articles. The site has also invested heavily in mobile. Over 60% of users use its services on smartphone or tablet. Its annual turnover is 3 billion, with two-thirds coming from the pay deals to recruiters.

Microsoft, meanwhile, strengthens its offering for the professional world. The IT group has invested heavily in this area recently. It particularly focuses on cloud version of its suite of office software, Office 365, to attract companies. The latter now has 22.2 million subscribers worldwide.

This acquisition is the third most expensive purchase of the history of technology. In October, Dell repurchased specialist EMC cloud for $ 67 billion. It is nevertheless more than had been paid for WhatsApp Facebook ($ 22 billion). Above all, while other redemptions that amount usually pass through exchanges of shares, Microsoft has committed to pay in cash for each $ 196 LinkedIn action. Either a bonus of 49.5% over the closing price of the share LinkedIn Friday.