European Commission approves Skype acquisition

The European Commission has approved Microsoft's acquisition of Skype (for $8.5 billion), which we reported on earlier this year with gaining the approval of the FTC. What does this mean for Windows Phone? We've now got front-facing cameras on Mango handsets so we can definitely expect to see Skype coming to the platform in the future and since Microsoft now owns the video calling service, it should be one service implementation to look forward to.

Check out the official statement from Microsoft on the decision:

"REDMOND, Wash. – Oct. 7, 2011 – The following is a statement by Brad Smith, General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Microsoft Corporation, regarding the European Commission’s decision to approve Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype:

We’re pleased that the European Commission has approved Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype. This is an important milestone, as we’ve now received clearance from both the United States and the European Union. We look forward to completing soon the final steps needed to close the acquisition, bringing together the employees of Microsoft and Skype, and creating new opportunities for people to communicate and collaborate around the world."

Source: Microsoft

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

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