Linkedin sold in deal valued of 26 bln USD

Baku. 13 June. REPORT.AZ/ Microsoft Corp. said it purchased LinkedIn Corp. in a deal valued at $26.2 billion, giving the world’s biggest software provider access to a virtual Rolodex of connected business professionals, Report informs referring to the Russian media.

Microsoft will pay $196 per share in an all-cash transaction, including LinkedIn’s net cash, is a 49.5 percent premium to LinkedIn’s closing price Friday. LinkedIn will retain its brand, culture and independence and Jeff Weiner will remain chief executive officer of the company, Microsoft said in a statement today. 

The offer values LinkedIn about 91 times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s the highest multiple of any takeover valued at more than $5 billion this year, the data show.

LinkedIn shares surged 49 percent in premarket trading in New York to $194.63. Microsoft fell 3.7 percent to $49.60.