Microsoft today announced that it is acquiring LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn's net cash. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, and he will report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
"The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world's professionals. Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organization on the planet," said Nadella.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both LinkedIn and Microsoft. The deal is expected to close this calendar year, subject to approval by LinkedIn's shareholders, satisfaction of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Microsoft will finance the transaction primarily through the issuance of new indebtedness. Upon closing, Microsoft expects LinkedIn's financials to be reported as part of Microsoft's Productivity and Business Processes segments
Microsoft expects the acquisition to have minimal dilution of approximately 1% to non-GAAP earnings per share, for the remainder of fiscal year 2017 post-closing and for fiscal year 2018 based on the expected close date, and become accretive to Microsoft's non-GAAP earnings per share in fiscal year 2019, or less than two years post-closing.
Non-GAAP includes stock-based compensation expense consistent with Microsoft's reporting practice, and excludes expected impact of purchase accounting adjustments as well as integration and transaction-related expenses. In addition, Microsoft also reiterated its intention to complete its existing $40 billion share repurchase authorization by December.
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