Microsoft Takes Over LinkedIn for Astounding $26.2 Billion: What Does This Mean for LinkedIn Users?

It’s official. In a deal confirmed earlier today, tech behemoth Microsoft has announced the acquisition of professional networking platform LinkedIn for a staggering $196 per share, marking an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, or 8 trillion Naira. The breaking news was brought to you [here](https://www.techbooky.com/post-title/breaking-news-microsoft-buy-linkedin-26-2b8tr-naira/) and we’re now back to discuss what this means for the LinkedIn userbase.

The Microsoft news website has slated LinkedIn to retain its original brand under the leadership of current CEO Jeff Weiner, at least for the time being. Microsoft’s decision to acquire the networking giant is motivated by a multitude of factors as outlined below:
– A notable 19% YoY growth with more than 433 million members worldwide
– A 9% YoY increase to over 105 million unique monthly visitors
– A 49% YoY surge to 60% in mobile usage
– A 34% YoY growth to over 45 billion quarterly member page views
– A whopping 101% YoY growth to more than 7 million active job listings

*From left to right: Jeff Weiner (CEO of LinkedIn), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), Reid Hoffman (Chairman of the board, co-founder, and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn)*

Since Satya Nadella succeeded Steve Ballmer as the CEO of Microsoft in February 2014, the company has adopted a renewed focus on cloud services and significantly scaled down its ambitious smartphone plans. Microsoft’s steady stock rise since Nadella’s appointment bears testament to these strategic shifts. Recently, Microsoft unveiled its Planner feature to Office 365 users, positioning Office 365 as a viable competitor to professional services like Trello.

LinkedIn, known for offering professional services such as job postings and research materials, is the world’s premiere professional social networking service with over 200 million registered users. LinkedIn has continually sought to improve user experience and recently [launched a dedicated app for students](https://www.techbooky.com/post-title/linkedin-aims-connect-students-jobs-new-app/), a factor that significantly contributed to Microsoft’s decision to acquire the platform. This new application enables students to input relevant data and is then algorithmically matched with jobs in their respective fields. Not limited to job matchmaking, the application also features mentoring assistance and study resources.

**What does this mean for LinkedIn users?**

Just as there were no significant changes to the basic functionality of WhatsApp following Facebook’s acquisition, LinkedIn users can expect a similar experience. While the platform’s core leadership remains consistent, users can anticipate the progressive integration of Microsoft cloud services into LinkedIn, potentially enhancing the robustness of the service and benefiting the large proportion of LinkedIn’s user base who are professionals familiar with such services.

Despite the general optimism following the announcement of Microsoft’s acquisition, it is worth noting that LinkedIn has also experienced some turbulence. Notably, the social networking giant [recently revealed](https://www.techbooky.com/post-title/4269-2/) a massive security breach in 2012, resulting in user account details being sold on the dark web. The acquisition by Microsoft may serve to bolster LinkedIn’s cybersecurity efforts and restore user trust.

As the dust settles on this landmark deal, it’s clear that the potential benefits for LinkedIn users are plentiful and Microsoft’s impressive stride into professional social networking is a space to watch. Future developments hold a promise of an integrated, socially enhancing professional networking experience, benefiting millions of users worldwide.