Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in 2016, adding the professional networking platform to its portfolio of major technology businesses.
Microsoft announced the acquisition in June 2016 and completed it in December of that year. The transaction was valued at approximately $26.2 billion, making it one of Microsoft’s largest acquisitions at the time.
LinkedIn was founded in 2002 and launched publicly in 2003. Its service focuses on professional profiles, employment opportunities, business connections, recruiting, and industry content. LinkedIn continued operating as a separate brand after the acquisition.
The deal is sometimes confused with Microsoft’s purchases of Skype and GitHub. Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 and GitHub in 2018. LinkedIn was distinctive because it connected Microsoft’s enterprise software strategy with a large professional identity network.