Facebook worth 15 billion US-Dollars
Facebook and Microsoft Corp. today announced that the two companies would expand their advertising partnership and that Microsoft will take a $240 million equity stake in Facebook’s next round of financing at a $15 billion valuation. Under the expanded strategic alliance, Microsoft will be the exclusive third-party advertising platform partner for Facebook, and will begin to sell advertising for Facebook internationally in addition to the United States.
Microsoft scrambled to keep Facebook from falling into Google’s hands. In recent weeks Mr. Ballmer personally courted Facebook’s Mr. Zuckerberg, meeting in Silicon Valley to press Microsoft’s interest in the young company.
Microsoft’s discussions continued Thursday night in San Francisco. Still Google as recently as Friday seemed to be close to winning Facebook, say people familiar with the matter. Over the past few days and in a meeting that ran late last night, Microsoft clinched the deal.
At this valuation, each of Facebook’s 50 million users is worth $306.12.
What is Facebook going to do with the money? Fund innovation and growth, of course. Expanding employee base dramatically. Going to 700 employees. Better tech infrastructure to handle boom in users, usage.
Via Blogtrainer and Robert Basic.
Oktober 26th, 2007 at 00:00
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