Microsoft to buy Skype for $8.5 billion

Seems good, no?

May 10 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) agreed to buy Internet telephone company Skype for $8.5 billion in cash in its biggest deal ever, as the technology giant seeks to plug a hole in its mobile offerings.

Buying loss-making Skype would have no immediate impact on Microsoft's finances, but would make clear its intention to compete with rivals such as Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and Google Inc (GOOG.O). 

I was slow to join the Skype horde but did finally get an account this year so I could chat with some friends in Taiwan who had lost access to Live Messenger.

Related Web URL: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/10/idUSL3E7...