EBay to buy Skype

Bob Russell · 09-12-2005, 08:40 AM

According to TheInquirer Ebay has just confirmed the acquisition, for $2.6 billion in cash and stock. USA Today reports 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 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.

MrSaint · 09-12-2005, 11:32 AM

First Kazaa, now Skype... Niklas Zennstrom had always the right idea how to shape the future of computing. And now he is going to be RICH. Well, he deserves it.

volwrath · 09-12-2005, 11:00 PM

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.

09-12-2005, 08:40 AM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	EBay to buy Skype According to TheInquirer Ebay has just confirmed the acquisition, for $2.6 billion in cash and stock. USA Today reports 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 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.

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09-12-2005, 11:32 AM	#2
MrSaint Little Computer Guy Posts: 73 Karma: 2466 Join Date: Aug 2005 Device: Treo 650 + iPaq	First Kazaa, now Skype... Niklas Zennstrom had always the right idea how to shape the future of computing. And now he is going to be RICH. Well, he deserves it.

09-12-2005, 11:00 PM	#3
volwrath Guru Posts: 713 Karma: 1001739 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Device: SGS3/PW2/Nexus72	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.

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