Skype Now Officially Belongs To Microsoft

Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype is finally official. The announcement comes just a week after the European Commission gave their approval of the the $8.5 billion acquisition.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said:

“Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world. We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues–anytime, anywhere.”

CBS reports that the Microsoft / Skype deal was announced in May. The two companies received approval from the US in June, but it wasn’t until last week that the companies cleared their final hurdle when the EC ruled that there were no competition concerns regarding the deal.

Skype Cheif Tony Bates, who will now become the President of Microsoft’s Skype division, said in a blog post:

“I am delighted to announce the deal with Microsoft has formally closed, and Skype is now a division of Microsoft. This represents a huge leap forward in Skype’s mission to be the communications choice for a billion people every day.”

PC Magazine reports that Skype will still be available on non-Microsoft platforms like Android and Apple iOS. Microsoft will eventually role out specific Microsoft products with Skype integration.

Here’s a look at what Microsoft just acquired.

Bates added:

“Joining forces with Microsoft is the best way to accelerate this mission and capitalize on our position at the intersection of social, mobile and video communications. Simply put, we want to transform communications.”

Do you think the Skype / Microsoft deal will transform communication? Will the acquisition help Skype reach 1 billion users?