Microsoft today said it has agreed to acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 billion.
LinkedIn is well known as a professional networking and employment resource for companies and job seekers alike. Under the terms of the deal, LinkedIn will retain is brand, culture, and management team, and it will be operated as a separate company.
LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner will report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies, but still has to win approval from shareholders.
Microsoft and LinkedIn expect the deal, which will require regulatory review, to close before the end of 2016.