Voice over IP unit Skype has been sold by Ebay to an investment group for a cool $2.75 billion.
The investor group includes Silver Lake, Index Ventures, Andreesen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Of the $2.75 billion, Ebay will pick up $1.9 billion in cash when the transaction is completed and will keep 35 percent equity in Skype.
John Donahoe, Ebay’s president and CEO is very excited at getting so much money for Skype. He said: “This is a great deal, unlocking both immediate and long term value for Ebay.”
Silver Lake described Skype as a next generation company. “This transaction benefits all parties involved and will allow Skype… to accelerate the growth of its business.”
Ebay said earlier this year it would lose Skype and suggested an IPO for next year.
Ebay bought Skype in 2005.
