Microsoft has a long history of strategic acquisitions and investments to expand its technology portfolio and capabilities. Over the years, the company has acquired over 225 companies and made numerous investments in various industries. Here's a comprehensive overview of some of Microsoft's major acquisitions and investments:

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Billion-Dollar Acquisitions

Microsoft has made several high-profile acquisitions worth over $1 billion, including:

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• Skype (2011) for $8.5 billion
• aQuantive (2007) for $6.3 billion
• Fast Search & Transfer (2008) for $1.2 billion
• Navision (2002) for $1.3 billion
• Visio Corporation (2000) for $1.3 billion
• Yammer (2012) for $1.2 billion
• Nokia's mobile and devices division (2013) for $7.2 billion
• Mojang (2014) for $2.5 billion
• LinkedIn (2016) for $26.2 billion
• GitHub (2018) for $7.5 billion
• Affirmed Networks (2020) for $1.35 billion
• ZeniMax Media (2020) for $7.5 billion
• Nuance Communications (2021) for $19.7 billion
• Activision Blizzard (2022) for $68.7 billion

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Billion-Dollar Investments

In addition to acquisitions, Microsoft has also made several strategic investments worth over $1 billion, including:

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• 11.5% stake in Comcast for $1 billion
• 22.98% stake in Telewest for $2.263 billion
• 3% stake in AT&T for $5 billion

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Other Notable Acquisitions and Investments

Microsoft has also made numerous other acquisitions and investments over the years, including:

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• E-Stamp Corporation (1997)
• Lernout & Hauspie (1997)
• TRADOS (1997)
• eFusion (1997)
• Apple Computer (1997)
• Navitel (1997)
• RealNetworks (1997)
• First Data (1997)
• Comcast (1997)
• Digital Anvil (1997)
• Proginet (1996)
• CMG (1996)
• Verisign (1996)
• VDOnet (1996)
• WebTV (1996)
• SingleTrac Entertainment Technologies (1996)
• Entex (1996)
• Tandem (1996)
• Helicon Publishing Limited (1996)
• MTel (SkyTel) (1996)
• Black Entertainment Television (1996)
• NBC (1995)
• Individual Inc. (1995)
• Digital (1995)
• Wang (1995)
• DreamWorks SKG (1995)
• Vanstar (1995)
• UUNET (1995)
• TCI Technology Ventures (1994)

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Recent Investments and Partnerships

In 2024, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment in G42, a leading UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company. This investment will strengthen the two companies' collaboration on bringing the latest Microsoft AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries around the world.

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Microsoft has also been actively investing in and partnering with various companies to expand its technology offerings and reach. Some of the recent investments and partnerships include:

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• 2012: Acquisition of 24/7 Inc.
• 2009: Investment in N-trig
• 2003: Investment in Immersion Corp.
• 2002: Investment in SmartPipes
• 2001: Investments in KT, Infolibria, i-Deal, Amicore, Groove Networks, Sendo, and Telecom New Zealand

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Microsoft's extensive investment portfolio reflects the company's strategic focus on expanding its technology capabilities, diversifying its product offerings, and strengthening its position in the global technology landscape. Through these acquisitions and investments, Microsoft has been able to stay at the forefront of innovation and meet the evolving needs of its customers and partners.

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