Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 billion

Microsoft said Monday it agreed to purchase the business-oriented social network in an all-cash deal valued at $196 per share, a 49.5 percent premium over LinkedIn's closing price on Friday. Microsoft’s deal to acquire the work-focused social networking giant is an all-cash transaction, and it will value LinkedIn’s shares at $196 each. Microsoft says LinkedIn will retain its own brand and independence, and existing CEO Jeff Weiner will remain and report directly to Satya Nadella. "The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world’s professionals," Nadella said. "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." Microsoft is planning to close its acquisition later this year, and the deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

This is Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's first big acquisition since he took over the top job more than two years ago. Microsoft is positioning the combination as the "world's leading professional cloud" together with the "world's leading professional network." It's clear this is a big acquisition for Microsoft, both in terms of cash value and what LinkedIn brings to the company. More than 433 million people use LinkedIn worldwide to network, find jobs, and reconnect with old colleagues. Many of those LinkedIn users also pay for premium services to use the site.