1.

0 Introduction
The leading multinational & technological company, Microsoft Corporation acquired the
employment and business oriented web and application based company LinkedIn after a
definitive agreement during 2016. Microsoft and LinkedIn share the common goal and mission
of empowering organizations and people to render productiveness.

1.1 Industry of Operation

Microsoft Corporation belongs to the technology manufacturer industry. It is best known for
producing software products, operating systems and few hardware gadgets as well.

LinkedIn belong to the networking and communication industry. LinkedIn is rimarily focused
with establishing employment opportunities through building professional network and
connections. Its operation is focused on website or mobile application based communications on
the basis of shared skills, common goals, and employers preferences.

2.0 Type of Merger & Acquisition

The tye of merger that arose due to acquisition of LinkedIn by Microsoft Corporation is evident
from its industry of operations.

The conglomerate merger has taken place between LinkedIn & Microsoft. Because, Microsoft is
a software and technology manufacturer, whereas LinkedIn is a online platform for professional
communication.

But, this is not a pure conglomerate merger, rather a mixed one. Because, both the companies has
some common ends and objectives that might have been accomplished on their merge. For
Example, Through Acquisition of LinkedIn Microsoft Corporation can now better handle their
online marketing operations as well as ensure productive usage of their software and technology
by reaching the motivated workforce.

However, the acquisition type of the two companies is a thought provoking issue since there
exist several strategies, financial motives and synergy activities within the merging of the two
companies. The following are few assumptions regarding the category of merge between the two
companies.

The First Assumption could be Strategic Remix. It is a type of acquisition in which acquired
assets are combined with existing assets for generation of new business as well as cut off costs.
Whether this type of acquisition took lace for Microsoft & LinkedIn or not, is not certain.
Because the synergies though executed are hard to be identified.

Second Assumption is that it was a Private Equity Acquisition, because of the independent
operations. During the acquisition of LinkedIn by Microsoft and before closing off the deal, the
CEO of LinkedIn reassured his employees. He believed that Microsoft Corporation will rovide
the team with independence of operations. Thus, the acquisition might also be a private equity
acquisition.

Third Assumption is derived from the prevalence of both features of Strategic Remix and rivate
Equity Acquisition. As a result a hybrid of both Strategic Remix & rivate Equity Acqusition
suggest strongly towards the acquisition rocess between Microsoft & LinkedIn.