On June 13th 2016, Microsoft announced that it is buying Linkedin, the social networking site for professionals, for $26 billion. This is Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's first major acquisition since he became the head of the company. Linkedin will be keeping its own brand as well as its independence. Current Linkedin CEO Jeff Weiner will stay on in that role, reporting directly to Mr. Nadella.
Both Microsoft and Linkedin view this deal as perfect for both companies. Mr. Nadella see it as the joining of the "world's leading professional cloud," with the "world's leading professional network." Each company could experience growth through the integration of such Microsoft tools as Office 365, Skype and Dynamics. Mr Nadella also mentioned giving its Cortana digital assistant access to data from Linkedin.
Meanwhile Lynda.com, a channel for training videos which was purchased by Linkedin for $1.5 billion in 2014, could be offered inside Microsoft software, such as Excell. In so doing, Microsoft could not only sell software products, but assist people in learning how to use them. The Linkedin acquisition is expected to close later in 2016, as the deal was unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies.
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