Major Acquisitions in the Technology Sector

Technology is one of the major and fastest-changing industries. Like any other business, there is fierce competition and a constant battle for profit. As such, bigger companies acquiring relatively smaller ones that show potential is not unusual.

Here we have compiled the list of some major acquisitions in the technology sector –

Facebook acquired WhatsApp

In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $22 billion overall. Though it was an expensive deal it may be considered well worth it if we consider Facebook’s aim to sail the unchartered waters.

It could also be considered a power move as WhatsApp was outdoing Facebook’s Messenger for a while now. So Facebook not only got rid of a competitor but also got its hands on around its 450 million users. The user base only continued to grow and so did Facebook’s profits.

Microsoft took over Skype

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion. This acquisition opened the doors of IP Communications for Microsoft and it also gained access to Skype’s huge user base.

Microsoft acquired LinkedIn

In 2016, Microsoft bought LinkedIn, a social network for employment and businesses, for $26 billion. It was a good move considering it gave Microsoft the access to over 575 million users of the network.

Google took over Motorola

In 2011, Google bought Motorola for $12.5 billion and sold it to Lenovo for $2.91 billion just a couple of years later. Then what was the point you may ask… well, Google did retain Motorola’s patent portfolio.

In the times of fierce competition, especially when your biggest opponent is Apple, it works well to have as many cards as you can fit in your hands.

Instagram acquired by Facebook

In 2012, Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion. It could be considered a massive step and a successful one. Not only Facebook acquired millions of new users, but it also improved the sharing experience for its pre-existing ones. Not to forget one less competitor to deal with.