According to TheInquirer (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=26103) Ebay has just confirmed the acquisition, for $2.6 billion in cash and stock. USA Today reports (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2005-09-12-ebay-skype_x.htm) that EBay said "The total value of the deal may climb to $4.1 billion based on whether Skype meets a series of performance targets over the next three years" and "the acquisition of privately held Skype will create 'an unparalleled e-commerce and communications engine' for Internet users worldwide."

Forbes is reporting (http://www.forbes.com/markets/2005/09/08/ebay-skype-acquisition-0908markets06.html) that Deutsche Bank Securities noted "Skype has about 53 million active users globally of its free peer-to-peer product, but far fewer paying customers. An eBay deal could push Skype's free service as a tool for auction customers, and then aggressively push fee-based calling and other existing services..."

This would certainly be an interesting communications tool for EBay, but I wonder if they don't have other ideas. Personally, I don't think I would want to talk with other EBay customers or sellers by Skype call, but maybe not so bad when you don't need external microphones and speakers, so I will keep an open mind.

First Kazaa, now Skype... Niklas Zennstrom (http://www.economist.com/people/displayStory.cfm?story_id=2876993) had always the right idea how to shape the future of computing. And now he is going to be RICH. Well, he deserves it.

I would hope they have onther ideas, nonetheless they are paying a premium of $50or more/skype user. Doesn't make that much sense to me.