Rumor mill: Facebook weighing Skype acquisition

Social media giant Facebook is considering making an offer to buy VoIP provider Skype, after Skype delayed its expected IPO until later this year, Reuters, citing sources close to the companies, reported.

It's also considering a joint venture with the Luxemburg-based company, as is Google, the sources told Reuters. There are, said Reuters, no solid plans in place, but early discussions between the companies have been ongoing. And, both Google and Facebook may have competition for any deals with Skype as it remains in strategic discussions with a number of other companies.

Skype had been considering a $1 billion IPO in the first half of the year, but the appointment of Tony Bates as CEO in October has delayed the offering. A deal to buy Skype could cost in the $3 billion to $4 billion range, sources said, despite increasing competition in the space.

For more:
- see this Reuters report

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