Microsoft to complete Skype buyout by October

We haven't heard much lately about Microsoft's intentions to buyout popular VoIP service Skype for a massive $8.5 billion. That's now changed, with AFP reporting that Microsoft is close to completing the deal with many expecting its completion by October. That's according to current Skype CEO, Tony Bates, who also mentions that the last remaining obstacle facing the deal's closure are European regulators, who have had a rough history with Microsoft before. He also briefly discussed just how Microsoft plans to approach Skype as its own division and how you can expect the name to stick around:

Bates said Skype would constitute its own division at Microsoft, a move that he called "unprecedented" for an acquisition by the US software giant.

"I'm a peer president to the other five presidents that run the businesses," he said, reporting to Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

Bates said he does not expect any re-branding of Skype once it is owned by Microsoft.

Microsoft is getting "one of the greatest brands in the consumer Internet space," he said. "It is a verb. People talk about it in that way. They say Skype me.

"So, you can expect no change," he continued. "You can expect strong commitment to the brand."

Those statements should be a sigh of relief to anyone worried Microsoft would tamper with the service so many millions of people use around the world. We're eagerly looking forward to any news about possible Skype integration in Mango, but since the original rumor news has been dead silent and it may be a stretch to think Microsoft could complete it so quickly. Still, thanks to Mango's new socket APIs, we know that a standalone app for Skype is still on its way so something is better than nothing!

Via: WinRumors
Source: AFP