With LinkedIn in its portfolio, Microsoft has introduced features such as Talent Insights and even started a new Talent division in Dynamics 365 with LinkedIn at its core. Having Upwork under its wings could bring these advanced capabilities to the more flexible freelance market, instead of focusing exclusively on full-time hiring.
LinkedIn currently has 575 million registered users, a far cry from the 12 million freelance workers and five million clients on Upwork, indicating that the deal would greatly benefit the Upwork platform as well.
Microsoft’s LinkedIn Acquisition & How It Plays Into Its Possible Acquisition of Upwork
LinkedIn filed for its IPO in January 2011 and traded under the NYSE symbol “LKND” at $45 a share.
On June 13, 2016, Microsoft announced that it would acquire LinkedIn for $196 a share, a total value of $26.2 billion and the largest acquisition Micorosoft has made to date. The acquisition was an all-cash, debt-financed transaction.
Microsoft allowed LinkedIn to “retain its distinct brand, culture and independence.” The deal was completed on December 8, 2016.
