Back in May Microsoft and Skype announced a deal according to which Redmond has acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. It later received FTC antitrust approval and now the deal has formally closed, Skype being officially a division of Microsoft.

Skype’s CEO, Tony Bates, becomes president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer. “We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues – anytime, anywhere,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. While the acquisition remains under review in a few countries, Tony Bates shares his thoughts on the partnership.