In 2011, which company acquired Skype for $8.5 billion?

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion.

Microsoft announced the agreement on May 10, 2011, describing Skype as a leading internet communications company. The purchase was made in cash from an investor group led by Silver Lake and was completed later that year. Microsoft sought to expand its position in internet calling, video communication and consumer services.

Skype had been founded in 2003 and became famous for using voice-over-internet-protocol technology to connect callers around the world. Before Microsoft bought it, eBay had acquired Skype in 2005; an investment group led by Silver Lake purchased it from eBay in 2009. Those earlier ownership changes are a frequent source of confusion.

After the acquisition, Microsoft connected Skype with products and platforms including Windows, Xbox, Outlook and its business communications tools. Microsoft later prioritized Teams for workplace collaboration, and Skype was retired in 2025, but Microsoft remains the correct buyer for the 2011 transaction.