[From Stephen Trew] Microsoft Closes $8.5 Billion Skype Deal. "Microsoft said late on Thursday that it has completed its deal to acquire internet calling leader Skype for $8.5 billion. Microsoft said late on Thursday that it has completed its deal to acquire Internet calling leader Skype for $8.5 billion. With the closing of the deal, which was announced back in May, Skype will become a new business unit within Microsoft, with Skype CEO Tony Bates becoming the president of the newly created Skype division. Over time, Microsoft said, it will integrate Skype into a variety of its products."