Microsoft Corporation will buy LinkedIn Corp for $26.2 billion in its biggest-ever deal announced on Monday, giving the world’s biggest software provider access to an online network of 433 million professionals.

Microsoft will pay $196 per share in an all-cash transaction, a 49.5 per cent premium to LinkedIn’s closing price on Friday.

While LinkedIn will retain its brand, culture and independence, Microsoft will speed up the monetisation by growing subscriptions as well as through targeted advertising. Jeff Weiner will remain chief executive of LinkedIn and report to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. — #casansaar (PTI - The Hindu)